Michelangelo's 10 Masterpieces from Pietà to Pietà
The article explores Michelangelo's career through ten key works, beginning and ending with his two Pietà sculptures. It examines how children in art history were depicted adorned with jewelry like miniature adults, a trend observed in 17th-century portraiture by artists such as Lavinia Fontana. The piece traces Michelangelo's evolution from the early Vatican Pietà (1498–1499) to the late Rondanini Pietà (1552–1564), highlighting his mastery of marble, anatomy, and emotional expression. Other featured works include the David (1501–1504), the Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–1512), and the Last Judgment (1536–1541). The article contextualizes Michelangelo's influence on Renaissance art and his enduring legacy.
Key facts
- Michelangelo's career is surveyed through ten masterpieces.
- The first and last works are both Pietà sculptures.
- The Vatican Pietà was created between 1498 and 1499.
- The Rondanini Pietà was worked on from 1552 until Michelangelo's death in 1564.
- The David was sculpted from 1501 to 1504.
- The Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted from 1508 to 1512.
- The Last Judgment was painted from 1536 to 1541.
- Children in 17th-century portraiture were often depicted wearing jewelry like miniature adults.
Entities
Artists
Locations
- Vatican City
- Rome
- Florence