Michelangelo Facts for Kids
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Michelangelo, born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, Italy, is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time. He was born to a family of bankers and grew up in Florence during the Renaissance, a time of flourishing art, literature, and science. Michelangelo is famous for his stunning sculptures, paintings, and architecture, which continue to inspire people around the world.
Here are some facts about Michelangelo that kids will find fascinating:
1. Michelangelo’s real name was Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. However, he’s usually referred to as only Michelangelo.
2. Michelangelo was an artistic prodigy. At the age of 13, he was apprenticed to the famous Renaissance painter Domenico Ghirlandaio.
3. Michelangelo did not prefer painting. Instead, he preferred sculpting, stating that “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the job of the sculptor to discover it.”
4. One of Michelangelo’s most famous works of art is the sculpture of David. It stands at an impressive 17 feet tall and is made of a single piece of marble.
5. Michelangelo also painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, which took him four years to complete. The ceiling is adorned with paintings of biblical stories, including the creation of Adam.
6. Michelangelo was also an architect, designing several buildings in Italy, including the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
7. Michelangelo was known to be a temperamental and difficult artist. He would often argue with his patrons and even destroy some of his own unfinished work.
8. Michelangelo died in Rome on February 18, 1564, at the age of 88. Despite being one of the greatest artists of his time, he lived a frugal life and left very few possessions behind.