On this day in 1564, the world welcomed one of the true “Greats” of history.
Rivaled by few others in terms of universal impact, Michelangelo, the archetypal Renaissance man, was born in Caprese, Italy. His father owned a small farm and rock quarry, and it is there that he first gained a love for marble.
Following a grammar apprenticeship at the age of 13, Michelangelo was taken under the wing of Lorenzo de Medici, Florence’s patron of the arts. With his guidance, Michelangelo was given residence at the Medici Gardens. There, he first became acquainted with the classical forms, prominent peers and an exposure to high art that would propel his career.
His talent was unparalleled; by 21, he received his first commission. That piece, completed when he was just 24 years old, was the Pietá— a marvel of marble depicting the Virgin Mary holding Christ’s body, residing now in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Sistine Chapel fresco is universally acknowledged as his magnum opus despite his initial reluctance to take on the job. He argued that he was a sculptor, not a painter, but nevertheless yielded.
Today, approximately 5 million people travel each year to view the wonder. It remains one of the most sacred pieces of artwork in Western history. As his life progressed, he continued to create triumphs: Victory, David, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, and Baccus to name a few.
However, though his catalog was adored, he lived as a deeply private man who rarely took pupils, had an obsessive perfectionist streak, and was wholly devout. Despite this solitary lifestyle, he still managed to create rivals. One such rival was Leonardo da Vinci, the other quintessential Renaissance man, whose contrasting artistic style and personality famously clashed with Michelangelo’s. Though the two were never friends, the likelihood of two such Greats ever interacting is slim, much like twin stars passing through the night sky.
Michelangelo is one of the most influential figures in human history, living up to his nickname. “Il Divino,” meaning “the divine one.”
“I saw an angel in the marble,” he said, “and set him free.”
