Michaelangelo, born Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (March 6, 1475 – February 18, 1564), was an Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer whose work spanned the period from the High Renaissance to the late Baroque era. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history.
Born into a family of modest means, Michaelangelo displayed exceptional artistic talent at an early age. He initially studied with Ghirlandaio before becoming a student of the renowned sculptor Bertoldo di Giovanni. His apprenticeship under Bertoldo opened doors to influential patrons such as Lorenzo de' Medici, who recognized his potential and provided him with support and guidance.
Michaelangelo's earliest works include the marble sculpture "Cupid Sleeping," carved during his teens, which demonstrates his mastery of classical forms from ancient Greek and Roman art. This piece was followed by notable commissions like the "Madonna of the Stairs" (1489-1492) and the "Pietà" (1498-1499), a marble sculpture depicting Mary cradling her deceased son Jesus, which showcases Michaelangelo's ability to imbue his figures with emotional depth and anatomical realism.
During the 1500s, Michaelangelo worked extensively in Florence, Rome, and Bologna on major architectural projects and frescoes. In Florence, he painted the iconic ceiling of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel (1508-1512), featuring scenes from the Old Testament filled with magnificent nude figures and vibrant colors. Other notable works include the "Last Judgment" (1536-1541) on the altar wall of the chapel, as well as sculptures like the marble statue of David (1501-1504).
In addition to his visual arts, Michaelangelo was also a prolific writer whose poems and sonnets have been collected in numerous editions. His artistic versatility made him an ideal candidate for various commissions throughout his life, allowing him to leave behind an immense body of work that continues to inspire artists today.
Michaelangelo died at the age of 88 in Rome, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as one of the greatest masters of Western art history. His influence can still be seen in contemporary art and culture, testament to his enduring genius.
The name Michaelangelo appears to have experienced a significant boom in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a sharp increase in births from 1989 (23 births) to 1990 (72 births). This high level of popularity was sustained throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, peaking at 59 births in 2007. However, since then, there has been a steady decline in the name's popularity, with only 18 births recorded in 2023. Overall, from 1962 to 2023, Michaelangelo was given as a birth name 1377 times.