Monographies

Before reaching the tender age of 30, Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) had already sculpted the Pietà and David, two of the most famous works in the entire history of art. Not only a sculptor, but also a painter, draughtsman and architect, the creations of this absolute master of the Renaissance are unique: no artist before or since him has produced work of such scope and diversity.

This brand-new TASCHEN publication traces Michelangelo's ascent to the highest cultural spheres of the Renaissance. Ten richly illustrated chapters cover the artist's paintings, sculptures, architectural creations and drawings, with a particular focus on the artistic tour de force of the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Full-page reproductions and enlarged details enable the reader to appreciate the subtleties of the master's repertoire, while the biographical essay addresses the more personal traits and facts of his life, such as his solitary nature, his thirst for money and commissions, his immense wealth and his talents as a land investor.