Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475–1564), known simply as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance, widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time
. Born in the Republic of Florence, his work was deeply inspired by classical antiquity and had a profound influence on Western art
. Michelangelo achieved early fame with masterpieces such as the sculptures Pietà and David , both completed before he turned 30
. Although he primarily considered himself a sculptor, he also created some of the most influential frescoes in Western art, including the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgment on its altar wall in Rome
. His architectural achievements include pioneering Mannerist architecture with the Laurentian Library and transforming the design of St. Peter's Basilica, including its iconic dome
. Throughout his life, Michelangelo was known for his extraordinary artistic virtuosity and was lauded as the greatest living artist of his era
. He was a key figure of the Italian Renaissance, alongside contemporaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, though he was more reclusive and outlived them by decades
. His works continue to influence artists and architects centuries later
. Michelangelo also had a complex personal and political life, including involvement in Florence's defense during political upheavals and a period of hiding due to conflicts with the Medici family
. He died in Rome in 1564 at the age of 88
. In summary, Michelangelo was a master of multiple artistic disciplines whose legacy defines the Renaissance and greatly shaped the course of Western art history
