Name: Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni
Birth–Death Dates: 1475–1564
Location: Florence, Rome

Personality Traits: Intense, solitary, driven, devout, emotional
Marital Status: Never married; had close, (potentially) romantic relationships with men, most notably Tommaso dei Cavalieri
Intriguing Personal Details: Often slept in his clothes, rarely bathed, and worked obsessively. Ew! His letters and poetry reveal a deeply spiritual man conflicted about earthly desire. Despite being hailed as a divine genius, he was private and quick-tempered.

Art Style: High Renaissance
Subjects: The human form, biblical narratives, nudity, emotional turmoil, glory
Education/Background: Trained under Ghirlandaio, then studied sculpture in the Medici garden under Bertoldo di Giovanni. He was deeply influenced by classical antiquity.
Mentors and Influences: Ancient Roman sculpture, Donatello, and his own vision.
Esteem During Lifetime: Michelangelo was Universally revered, often called Il Divino ("the divine one"). He was the rare artist who achieved rock-star status while still alive!
Major Works: David, Pietà, Sistine Chapel Ceiling, The Last Judgment, Moses, Laurentian Library, Medici Chapel

Inspirations: Human anatomy, divine proportion, spiritual struggle, classical antiquity
Legacy: Widely considered one of the greatest artists in history. His influence on sculpture, painting, and architecture defined the Italian Renaissance and shaped art for centuries

Fun Facts:

• He wrote over 300 poems, many of which were passionate and introspective, often addressed to men!

• Once broke his own Pietà out of frustration

• Designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome at age 74