Michelangelo Case

Master Artist: Michelangelo

Abstract

Students are to choose a master artist who they consider very influential to them. Confirm your choice with your instructor before proceeding, because your definition of a master artist may not meet your instructor's criteria. Your master artist should have a firm position in art history. Often, contemporary artists have not met these criteria yet. Students should view as much work as possible of this artist in museums, galleries, books, art publications, and on the Internet. When you feel comfortable with your knowledge of this artist, create your own work of art in response to this artist's influence on you. Do your best to synthesize your understanding of this artist's work and how this artist's work relates to your work in the context of what you are learning in this class. After creating your image after your master artist, then write your paper. This is meant to be a creative image and writing project so keep original as much of the content as possible. Cite materials that are not your own.

Master Artist Report

Michelangelo

Michelangelo was an architect, painter, sculptor and poet in the High Renaissance century. The High Renaissance is the height of the Renaissance. During this time, culture and artistic work flourished. There was a lot of classic learning from the Ancient Greeks and that was the inspiration for most artists. Most artists during this time period found wealthy citizens that would finance and support their art and artistic views. Religion was also very big during this time compared to the present day. Majority of the art has to do with some part of the bible or religious figures.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni) was born March 6, 1475 in Caprese, Italy. After he was born, his family moved back to Florence since his father worked in the government in that city. This is the city that Michelangelo always considered his true home. During the Renaissance, Florence was an arts community. When Michelangelo was six years old, his mother passed away. His father, being involved in the government, did not approve of Michelangelo’s interest in art.

When Michelangelo was only thirteen years old, Domenico Ghirlandaio, who is known for his murals, made Michelangelo his apprentice. Then, Michelangelo’s skills grabbed the attention of Lorenzo de’ Medici, who enjoyed being surrounded by talented and literate/artistic men. Michelangelo then lived with Lorenzo and became more inspired by the people that he met. He learned a lot about philosophy and politics during the years living with Lorenzo. While staying with Lorenzo, the keeper of the ancient Roman sculptures, Bertoldo di Giovanni, help Michelangelo refine his technique. Michelangelo always considered himself as a sculptor