Michelangelo's Final Years

In May 2024, the British Museum will host a major exhibition showcasing Michelangelo drawings from the Vatican Library and the Louvre. This booklet presents these exceptional loans, placing Michelangelo's work within the wider context of his artistic career. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) was a renowned Renaissance artist who, contrary to popular belief, maintained close relationships with friends and collaborators throughout his life. He worked with younger artists, delegating physical tasks as he aged, while still preserving his fame and reputation. His later drawings provide insight into his Catholic faith, intellectual pursuits, and quest for eternal life.

Michelangelo revolutionized religious art, producing iconic compositions depicting pivotal moments in Christian history. He played a significant role in various projects in Rome, notably the reconstruction of St Peter's Basilica. His architectural skills are showcased in exquisite drawings, highlighting his versatility as a designer. Amidst his major commissions, Michelangelo created personal drawings exploring themes of spirituality and salvation as he faced his own mortality.

Drawing from the British Museum's extensive collection, this booklet examines Michelangelo's work in conjunction with his personal connections, tracing his evolution into the artistic genius revered today. The contents include insightful chapters on his return to Rome, his relationship with Vittoria Colonna, collaborative ventures, architectural endeavors, and spiritual reflections.

Table of Contents Forewords Chronology Introduction 1. The return to Rome 2. Vittoria Colonna 3. Collaborations and epiphanies 4. Architecture: piety, power and politics 5. Meditations Notes and bibliography Picture credits Acknowledgements Index

product information: