Michelangelo: Divine Artistic Genius, Part 1 of 2

A leading light of the Italian Renaissance, Michelangelo was known as "II Divino" meaning "the divine one," and is considered one of the greatest artists of all time. A poet, sculptor, and architect, his creations include internationally renowned masterpieces like the famous marble sculpture of King David of Israel and the magnificent biblical painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo was also a principal architect involved in constructing one of the Vatican's holiest buildings, St. Peter's Basilica. Michelangelo was first and foremost a sculptor, displaying his talents from a young age. He could see a connection between the human form and the soul, bringing his sculptors to life in a novel way for his time. His use of light and shadow gives his sculptures a truly authentic presence. “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” - Michelangelo Buonarroti