One day Michelangelo was hunched over his drafting table working on a scene of Elijah rising to heaven on a chariot of fire when he was startled by a voice behind him. “Have you ever considered hiring a servant?” Michelangelo scrambled to his feet, turning around to find his brother Buonarroto. “Brother! What are you [...]
Ancestors (1)
Bramante and Raphael had asked about the lunettes and spandrels because any artist could see they were going to be a challenge. Michelangelo hadn’t figured out how to paint them. They were awkward curving spaces above the windows that were too small for large scenes, yet combined they accounted for as much space as the [...]
Prophets and Sibyls (3)
“I have to hand it to you, Buonarroti,” Bramante said, not without some respect. “I never thought you’d actually take the bait and try to paint this ceiling.” “It will be my pleasure to prove you wrong,” answered Michelangelo. He glanced over at Raphael. The young painter was 25 now, more filled out since the [...]
