(March 6, 1475–February 18, 1564), was one of the greatest artists in history. The son of Lodovico de Leonardo de Buonarroti Simoni, he lived during the Italian Renaissance and was known for his portrayal of living strength and energy in his paintings, sculptures and architectural designs. In 1508, he began painting the Sistine Chapel and finished with the completion of the Last Judgment, October 31, 1541. His sculptures include: David (1501–04), Moses (1513–16), Bound Captives (1513–16) and The Pietá (1498–99), a touching depiction of Christ in His mother’s arms after He was taken down from the cross.
In his Sonnet, Michelangelo wrote:
If it be true that any beautiful thing raises the pure and just desire of man from earth to God, the eternal fount of all, such I believe my love.71
I live and love in God’s peculiar light.72
Lord, grant that I may always desire to do more than I can accomplish.73