Another famous birthday to be mentioned...
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni,also known as Il Divino ("the divine one"), was Born on March 6, 1475, Caprese, Republic of Florence (Italy). Famous Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art, we all familiar with his beautiful works which demonstrate a blend of psychological insight, physical realism, and intensity never before seen.
Michelangelo came from a decent family of bankers. His mother died from a chronic illness when he was 6 years old.
Michelangelo went to Florence to study grammar, however, he never been interested in it. He was more fascinated by copying paintings from various churches and been always seeking the company of painters.
Finally, in 1488, young Michelangelo was apprenticed to the famous painter Domenico Ghirlandaio.
Year later, in 1489 Michelangelo was given chance and was enrolled in the Humanist Academy, an institution founded by the Medici. But after the Medici was expelled from Florance, Michelangelo went to Bologna and later to Rome. At those early years, he was mainly concentrating on sculpture.
Michelangelo was also a poet, he wrote so many poems, especially in 1530-40, but only 300 survived till today.
His personal life remains uncertain. In 1538 Michelangelo meets poetess Vittoria Colonna. Vittoria was a widow. They shared platonic and spiritual relationship for more than 10 years, discussing art, church, and politics.
In later years, Michelangelo returned to Florence and became embroiled in politics as he helped defend the city against the attacks of the De Medici’s. When the city fell to the De Medici’s, Michelangelo feared for his life. But, his fame as the greatest artist of his generation made him too valuable to kill and he was simply given more art to work on.
In his final years, he became increasingly religious. His depth of religious feeling can be seen through his poetry and direction of his art.
He died in Rome after a brief illness on 18 February 1564 at the age of 88 but as per his wish, was buried in Florence.
