British Museum Exhibition Explores Michelangelo's Final Decades

The British Museum in London will host 'Michelangelo. The last decades' from May 2 to July 28, 2024, curated by Sarah Vowles. The exhibition focuses on the final 30 years of Michelangelo Buonarroti's life (1475–1564), beginning in 1534 when Pope Clement VII summoned the 59-year-old artist back to Rome to paint the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. Already renowned for masterpieces like the Vatican Pietà, David, the Doni Tondo, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo spent his remaining years in Rome, never returning to Florence. His efforts were dominated by the monumental 'Last Judgment' fresco, which led to further commissions including directing the construction of St. Peter's Basilica for 18 years and creating the Rondanini Pietà. The exhibition highlights his dynamic late style as he confronted mortality and explored salvation, emphasizing his significant relationships with Roman nobleman Tommaso de' Cavalieri and poet Vittoria Colonna. Works on display include the allegorical 'Fall of Phaeton' (a moral guide for Cavalieri) and 'Christ on the Cross' for Colonna, reflecting reformist movements. Michelangelo's deep Catholic faith and concern for his soul's salvation are evident in his poetry and art; he sent large sums to Florence for charity via his nephew Leonardo. Drawings of the Crucifixion from his last decade show his meditation on mortality, sacrifice, faith, and redemption.