Michelangelo

  • Michelangelo is born
    Mar 6, 1475

    Michelangelo is born

    On March 6, 1475: Michelangelo was born in Caprese, a small town near Florence.
  • Working for Medici
    1490

    Working for Medici

    From 1490-1492 Michelangelo lived and studied in the palace of Lorenzo de' Medici, who became his patron. There, he was influenced by the sculptor Bertoldo di Giovanni.
  • Virgin Mary
    1498

    Virgin Mary

    (1498–1499) In Rome, he carved this renowned sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus. It is located in St. Peter's Basilica and established its reputation.
  • Statue of David
    1501

    Statue of David

    (1501–1504):Upon his return to Florence, he was commissioned to sculpt the statue of David from a large, discarded block of marble. It was unveiled in 1504 and cemented his legacy as a master sculptor.
  • Tomb of Pope Julius II
    1505

    Tomb of Pope Julius II

    Tomb of Pope Julius II (1505), summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II, Michelangelo was commissioned to design a monumental tomb. The project was scaled back several times due to conflicts, but it occupied him for decades
  • Sistine Chapel ceiling
    1508

    Sistine Chapel ceiling

    Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–1512), against his own wishes, Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The enormous fresco cycle features nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic Creation of Adam.
  • Medici Chapel (New Sacristy)
    1519

    Medici Chapel (New Sacristy)

    Medici Chapel (New Sacristy) (1519–1534), back in Florence, the Medici popes Leo X and Clement VII commissioned Michelangelo to design the New Sacristy at the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The project included the tombs of Giuliano and Lorenzo de' Medici, with allegorical statues of Day,
  • Night, Dawn, and Dusk. Laurentian Library
    1524

    Night, Dawn, and Dusk. Laurentian Library

    Night, Dawn, and Dusk. Laurentian Library (begun 1524), also at San Lorenzo, Michelangelo designed the library's architecture and vestibule, which featured dramatically compressed spaces and Mannerist details.
  • The Last Judgment
    1536

    The Last Judgment

    The Last Judgment (1536–1541), Michelangelo returned to the Sistine Chapel, this time for Pope Paul III, to paint the fresco on the altar wall, depicting Christ's Second Coming.
  • St. Peter's Dome
    1546

    St. Peter's Dome

    St. Peter's Dome (1546–1564), Michelangelo spent his final years working on St. Peter's, designing the final version of the dome. Though it was completed after his death, the iconic design was his.
  • Architect of St. Peter's Basilica
    1546

    Architect of St. Peter's Basilica

    Architect of St. Peter's Basilica (1546), after the death of architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, Michelangelo was appointed to oversee the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica, restoring Bramante's original plan.
  • Michelangelo's death
    Feb 18, 1561

    Michelangelo's death

    Michelangelo later passed away on February 18, 1564. Hdied in Rome at the age of 88. He was buried in the church of Santa Croce in Florence.