Michelangelo

Early life

Mar 6, 1474

Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in Caprese, Italy to parents Ludovico di Leonardo Buonarroti Simoni and Francesca di Neri del Miniato di Siena. For many generations his family was a part of minor nobility in Florence. Michelangelo's father was administrator of their small hometown of Caprese. A few months after the birth of Michelangelo, the family headed to their permanent residence in Florence. At the age of 13, Michelangelo became an apprentice and his career in art commenced
(Lace 9).

Entering the art world

Apr 1, 1488

While Michelangelo was at the young age of 13, his father took his son to the bottega or studio of Domenico Ghirlandaio in Florence. Ghirlandaio had taught Michelangelo that drawing was the foundation for all forms of art. As Michelanglo entered the world of art, a major change began in literature, science and art known as the Renaissance. Masaccio, Giotto, Donatello, and Brunelleschi had a valuable impact on Michelangelo as well as other Renaissance artists.
( Lace 16)

Carves Bacchus

Jan 1, 1496

Bacchus was the first statue made by Michelangelo in Rome. Originally the statue was in the hands of Cardinal Raffaele Riario then made its way to Jacopa Galli. The statue itself depicts the Roman god of wine known as Bacchus. In his right hand he is holding a glass of wine and appears to be intoxicated. The Bacchus statue is typically classified of the Baroque era and Italian High Renaissance.This sculpture was so important because of the emotion it displays.
(Totallyhistory.com)

Carves Pieta

Jan 1, 1499

Another of Michelangelo's famous sculptures was the "Pieta" credited for initiating his career as an artist. The actual sculpture itself shows the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ, her son. The "Pieta" was significant at this time during the Renaissance because multi-figured sculptures were not common at all. From all of Michelangelo's artwork, this was the only piece he signed was one of only two sculptures to exist from his early period in Rome.
(Lace 36)

Statue of David

Jan 1, 1501

Michelangelo is very well known for his masterpiece, the statue of David. The staue was based off of the battle of David and Goliath. Many artists sculpted David after the war but Michelangelo had created a sculpture of him before the battle. Once the sculpture was completed, Michelangelo shared his work of art to the members of the Vestry Board. The statue of David was located in the Piazza della Signario and became a symbol of the liberty and freedom of the Rebublican ideas.
( Salem press 517)

Doni Tondo

Jan 1, 1506

The only completed panel painting created by Michelangelo in existence is The Doni Tondo or The Holy Family. This painting depicts the Christian holy family (Mary, the child Jesus and Saint Joseph). In the background you can see five nude male figures and John the Baptist. Mary sits upon the grass to show the close relationship she has with nature. This painting is important because of all of the symbolismportraying the religious background.
(michelangelo.org)

Sistine Chapel

Jan 1, 1508

From 1508-1512 Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel located in Rome. In the paintings, Michelangelo included Greek and Christian ideas. Pope Julius II was the one who requested Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Each panel was divided into 9 scenes from the Book of Genesis, around them would be sibyls and prophets. The Sistine Chapel influenced many other artists to paint like Michelangelo and to pursue new and different directions.
(Abramas 37)

The Protestant Reformation

Jan 1, 1517

In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation was a huge European movement. The purpose of the Reformation was to reform the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic church. Protestants had to separate from Roman Catholicism leading to Lutheran churches being created in Eastern European countries. The Reformation itself was significant because it started the beginning of the modern era and unity that was being imposed by Medieval Christianity.
(theopedia.com)

Magellan sails around the world

Aug 10, 1519

The Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan set sail to Spain in search of acquiring fame and fortune. On his journey, he was hoping to discover a western sea route to the Spice Islands. He traveled along what is know known as the Strait of Magellan. Magellen's voyage was important because European geography drastically expanded. Although he did not make it completely around the world, he still proved that the Earth could be encompassed.
(history.com)

Governor of Fortification of Florence

Jan 1, 1529

Michelangelo offered to strengthen the city of Florence. He was unexperienced in military architecture but was given the title "governor" and procurator general for the fortification of the city walls. Michelangelo's designs were so original that they became major landmarks in the history of the architecture of fortification. Michelangelo later fled to Venice because he was afraid the city would be attacked but his fortifications withstood the the army's invasion.
(Lace 71)

Elizabeth I becomes queen

Sep 7, 1533

At first Elizabeth had competition in acquiring the thrown because her older half-sister Mary and her cousin Lady Jane Grey were in line for the crown. After her sister passed away, Elizabeth was named queen of england but was left with many problems that the country was undergoing. Elizabeth becoming queen was significant because during her reign, the war with France ended and she defeated the Spanish Armada. She was remembered for being all for the people of her country.
(elizabethi.org)

Copernicus Heliocentric Theory

Jan 1, 1543

The Polish astronomer Nicholas Copernicus gave his theory that the sun was at the center of the universe, while the earth revolved around it. Copernicus eventually published his theory after many long years of observations of the earth, space, and the sun. At first he was unsure if he should publish his theory because it was incomplete. His theory was significant because it lead to controversy in European science and future astronomers supported his theory.
(New Mexico Museum of Space History)

Architect

Jan 1, 1547

Michelangelo was given the position to be the chief architect of St.Petersburg. He refused to take the job but finally agreed under one condition. He didn't want to be payed. Michelangelo decided to rebuild the St.Peter's church making it less crowded and allowing for more light. All of Michelangelo's architecture projects revolutionized art by creating building with molding the space within using shadow and light. His works were influential to future architects.
(Lace 89)

Death

Feb 18, 1564

Michelangelo was 88 years old when he died which was very much past the norma life expectancy during this era. He had died after a short illness at his home in Macel de'Corvi. His chosen place of burial was at Basilica di Santa Croce. Michelangelo was one of the most influential artists during the Renaissance, where he gained great wealth and fame. Among other things, Michelangelo's art was unique because of his use of fresco paintings and architecture.
(history.com)

Spanish Armada Defeated

Aug 8, 1588

England defeating the Spanish Armada was one of the most famous events in English history. Spain, being the a great power in the 16th century, planned to depose Queen Elizabeth and make England Roman Catholic like it had been in previous years. Elizabeth had heard several rumors about Spain invading so England decided to prepare. As soon as the Spanish arrived in England, the fighting began and the queen was there with her soldiers defeating Spain together.
(historic-uk.com)

Edict of Nantes

Apr 13, 1598

Henry IV of France created the Edict of Nantes to grant religious freedom to his Protestant people. It was one of the first directives to bring religious freedom to Europe.The Protestants were now able to have an education, obtain civil rights and even have access to a special court. The Edict of Nantes was so significant because it restored Catholicism in areas where Catholic practice took place and ended many wars over religious purposes. Source:( The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica )