Male and female stereotypes

Michelangelo was born in the 14th century and was an apprentice painter in the
household of Lorenzo de' Medici, the leading patron of the arts in Florence.

His first works were sculpture in the early years. His 'Pietà' which means Pity
made his name and showed the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after
the Crucifixion. Not only is it lifelike buts the detail is beautiful

Another famous work is Michelangelo's painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
in the Vatican (1508-1512). It was recognized at once as a great work of art and from
then on Michelangelo was regarded as Italy's greatest living artist.

The new pope, Leo X, then commissioned Michelangelo to rebuild the façade of the
church of San Lorenzo in Florence. The scheme was eventually abandoned, but it
marks the beginning of Michelangelo's activity as an architect. Michelangelo also
designed monuments to Giuliani and Lorenzo de' Medici in the Medici Chapel in San
Lorenzo.

In 1534, Michelangelo returned to Rome where he was commissioned to paint 'The
Last Judgement' on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel (1537-1541). From 1546 he
was increasingly active as an architect, in particular on the great church of St Peter's.