Artist. Sculptor. Painter. Poet. Intellectual. Architect. Genius.
In celebration of the artist’s 550th birthday in 2025, Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo – Love and Death (2017) is back on screen with an intimate close-up of the brilliance that was Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni.
From the polished Carrara marble of the evocative Pietà in St Peter’s Basilica, to the iconic colossus that is the Statue of David in Florence, and of course, the awe-inspiring 34 frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, we are taken on an immersive journey through his works, via expert commentary, beautiful cinematography, and Michelangelo’s own words in parts.
Through this exhibition, we learn of Michelangelo’s fascination with human anatomy. His study through the dissection of cadavers showed a deeper understanding than even the medical scientists of this time period, lending to the precision and detail characteristic of each of his sculptures and paintings.
We also gain a deeper appreciation for how progressive and unconventional Michelangelo was for his time. His every work seemed to be a culmination of his deep, oftentimes dark thoughts – namely the fragility of existence, and that old chestnut, mortality. He challenged traditional depictions of common scenes, often taking risks even while depicting religious scenes commissioned by others.
It is also notable that Michelangelo was the first openly gay man during that time period. It was no secret that he loved men, and idolised male beauty. What allowed him to escape persecution during a time when sodomy was punishable by execution was that he claimed to be celibate, only appreciating spiritual beauty.
Overall, the film provides fascinating insight into the legendary Renaissance artist’s processes, his life’s work, and, to some extent, the historical context in which Michelangelo left his mark. A fitting celebration of the man who is, without a doubt, one of the greatest artists of all time.
Michaelangelo – Love and Death is playing for a limited run at The Windsor from 12th July.