Michelangelo was given the job of redesigning the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Ancient Rome. He created a square (piazza) with three palaces around it and steps leading up to it. The buildings followed classical (or Roman) designs.
The dome of St Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Michelangelo was asked by the Pope to design the dome of the new St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It was his last great project. He did not live to see its completion because he died in 1564 at the age of 89.
Assessing Your Learning
1. Which did Michelangelo prefer – to sculpt or to paint? 2. In which city was he trained as an apprentice?
3. What does the list of Works of Art on p. 91 tell you about differences between Leonardo and Michelangelo?
4. Which of the following were sculpted by Michelangelo? (i) Pietà (ii) David (iii) Donatello
5. Name one of the main scenes painted by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
6. What is the main difference between the way The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo?
See Chapter 6 in the Skills Book for further questions.
The Campidoglio, a square on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, designed by Michelangelo. Can you see the features of classical architecture in Michelangelo’s design of the Campidoglio?