Newly Discovered Michelangelo Study for the Sistine Chapel Sells for $27.2 Million

A previously unknown drawing by Michelangelo—identified as a preparatory study for the Sistine Chapel ceiling—has sold for $27.2 million at Christie’s New York, establishing a new auction record for the artist. The discovery began unexpectedly, when an owner submitted a photograph to Christie’s online Request an Auction Estimate portal. Specialists quickly recognized the work as […]
Michelangelo, Bruges Madonna

Showing off his skill, Michelangelo carves the popular subject of the Madonna and Child, but with a twist (literally).
Michelangelo, The Prisoners

Michelangelo left many sculptures unfinished, but perhaps none are more beautiful than The Prisoners.
Michelangelo, Pietà

Can stone be that soft? Contrast defines this sculpture. Mary is sweet but strong, and Christ, real yet ideal. The Pietà was a popular subject among northern European artists. It means “Pity” or “Compassion,” and represents Mary sorrowfully contemplating the dead body of her son which she holds on her lap. This sculpture was commissioned […]
Michelangelo, Taddei Tondo

Michelangelo’s most well-known works exist on a colossal scale, from his formidable statue of David to the High Renaissance frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Yet, his art could also be tender and lyrical, dwelling upon the inherent tensions of the human condition. Art Historian Alison Cole examines one such example, the Taddei Tondo (c.1504-1505) — […]
Michelangelo, Studies for the Libyan Sibyl

This is the most magnificent drawing by Michelangelo in the United States. A male studio assistant posed for the anatomical study, which was preparatory for the Libyan Sibyl, one of the female seers frescoed on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (Vatican Palace) in 1508–12. In the fresco, the figure is clothed except for her […]
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Sketches Are Coming to America

While preparing to fresco the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, Italian artist Michelangelo created hundreds—possibly thousands—of small sketches to work out the design. He destroyed many of those preliminary drawings—which were never intended for public view—before his death in 1564. Less than 50 remain in existence today. Now, 25 of the rare sketches are coming to the […]
Michelangelo’s Drawings for the Sistine Chapel Visit the U.S. for the First Time

Dozens of drawings Michelangelo made while planning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel will go on view at the Muscarelle Museum of Art after a monumental feat in networking and logistics by the Williamsburg, Virginia museum ahead of the Renaissance master’s 550th anniversary. Curator Adriano Marinazzo, an architect and Michelangelo expert, has organized a show […]
David, Bandini Pietà and Rondanini Pietà (Michelangelo): Great Art Ep.6

The Statue of David Strength, determination, and righteous faith – the image of Michelangelo’s “David” has eclipsed all other Davids in its compelling depiction. It looms not just with power but with grace, and revival, as Professor Rosand explores. As the story goes, the very block of marble from which David was carved was a […]
Pietà (Michelangelo): Great Art Ep.5

Michelangelo was a visionary artist who thought of himself first and foremost as a sculptor. He dealt as much with spirit as matter in his art, and retold stories everyone knew in ways that forced us to see them with fresh eyes. He took the tradition of the pieta and turned it into something eloquent, […]