Sculptor, painter, and architect

Michelangelo is one of the artists who qualifies and has dedicated his understanding to the field of art and science. He is known for his artistic masterpieces like David, Pieta and the Sistine Chapel, and his solutions for many vexing architectural and engineering would also ensure his scientific credentials. 

Michelangelo consistently dedicated his time to drawing the human figure from life, a growing practice in Florentine artists’ studios at the time; Michelangelo took this to a new level of authenticity through keen observation and by studying dissected corpses to understand the underlying muscles better. He learned this to understand human anatomy better and create his art.

This study helped him to create the masterpieces like David, Pieta and the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel. He sculpted the Pieta in Rome, the David in Florence, painted the Sistine Chapel’s ceilings and designed the dome for St. Peter’s Basilica.

Early in his career, Michelangelo drew mainly in pen and ink, but he soon came to appreciate the convenience and effectiveness of naturally mined chalk. He used red and black colours, preferring the latter as time passed.

Today, as throughout history, Michelangelo’s drawings are valued not only as works exhibiting extraordinary skill but as windows into the mind of the master. They let us witness the creation of some of the greatest works of Renaissance art in an astonishingly direct and intimate way.