Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 – 1564) is widely regarded as one of the most important sculptors, painters and architects of the Italian Renaissance. His independence of thought and action shaped both his character and his trailblazing art. The statue of David, the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are all testament to this. Claudia Echinger-Maurach traces the development of this innovative artist and gives an expert introduction to Michelangelo’s extensive oeuvre, which also includes excellent drawings and lyric poems.