Who Was Michelangelo?
We’ve all heard the name before (and probably had trouble pronouncing it, Amirite?). Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, commonly known only as Michelangelo, was a sculptor, painter, and architect of the 15th century. He is known to be one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance period, and arguably of all time.
Michelangelo’s art was mainly based on physical realism and psychological insight. He has had an unparalleled level of influence on the development of Western art. In this article, we’ll explore how the ripples of Michelangelo’s impact are still in motion today – and how Michelangelo is still relevant in the context of the 21st century.
Michelangelo’s Impact On Art
Michelangelo’s David is the most popular male nude of all time. It has been reproduced in order to grace cities around the world. The twisting forms and tensions of the Victory, the Medici Madonna, and the Bruges Madonna make them the pioneers of Mannerist art.
The dome of St Peter’s has influenced the building of churches for several centuries, such as St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Sant’Andrea Della Valle in Rome, and the civic domes of many public buildings across the US.
Artists who claimed to be directly influenced by Michelangelo include Raphael, Sant’Agostino, and Pontormo, amongst many others.
Michelangelo’s Impact On Poetry
Although he was best known for his sculptures, Michelangelo was also a gifted poet. His poetry explored the connection between visual arts and poetry as a form of self-expression. It also shed light on Michelangelo as a man. The subjects of his poems ranged from love, death, and beauty to evil and good.
Michelangelo’s poetry, as well as his letters and sonnets, have been compiled, archived, and translated into many languages today. He was also referenced in the poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Elliot.
Michelangelo’s Impact On Film
The 1965 film The Agony and the Ecstasy details the story of the painting of the Sistine Chapel. Charlton Heston portrays Michelangelo.
The Titan: Story of Michelangelo revolves around the works of the artist in the context of the historical background of his time.
Michelangelo: A Film by the BBC is a documentary that discusses his artistic development, religions, life & inner torments.
Michelangelo’s Impact On Television
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The characters originated in comic books published by Mirage Studios and expanded into cartoon series, films, video games, toys, and other merchandise. The four fictional teenaged anthropomorphic turtles were all named after Italian Renaissance artists. Michelangelo, of course, is one of them.
Michelangelo Revealed, broadcast by PBS discussed the darker side of the artist.
20/20 Secrets of the Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s Mystery investigated the theory that the artist put in coded messages in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo’s Impact on Science
The Michelangelo Hand is a sophisticated myoelectric prosthetic named after the artist. The prosthetic makes use of electrodes to gather signals in your muscles and then signals accordingly a processor in the hand to move.
Michelangelo’s Impact On Space
The asteroid 3001 Michelangelo, is a small main-belt asteroid discovered in 1982 and was named after the artist.
A crater on the planet Mercury, situated in the Michelangelo quadrangle of Mercury, was named after him as well.
Bottom Line…
Michelangelo credibly is one of the most skilled sculptures to ever use a chisel. He was also a masterful painter and architect too. Every work he created came out monumental with passion, anger, and spirituality. Perhaps he’ll never be surpassed. I certainly found myself inspired by the statue of David, among many works of his. I was activated and compelled to create an image that attempts the statue of David’s likeness as more of an abstraction. You can see the results and purchase a print of my work here. Eyes of David 24×36 Canvas
Michaelangelo has had a huge amount of influence on his contemporary artists well into those of modern times. He supported the humanist movement of the Renaissance through his art and sculptures. In fact, had Michelangelo not contributed to the Renaissance period, it would have failed to be as revolutionary as it was in Italy and the rest of Europe. Michelangelo’s impact on the Renaissance influenced art and society for centuries after. Has anyone ever inspired you over centuries?
Looking to explore more art genres? Head over to Joe Latimer.com for a multidisciplinary, visually stunning experience. ✌️💛🎨
Enjoy this blog? Please help spread the word via: