Michelangelo: The Last Decades

Fabulous exhibition at the British Museum focusing on the last three decades of Michelangelo’s life and career.

The show was beautifully arranged with a clear narrative for a complicated subject. The labels not only told you about the image but also told you where it fitted into the story with some charming details such as the fact one picture was painted for the children of his servant, Urbino, who died.

The show covered major projects, such as the Sistine Chapel “Last Judgement”, but also looked at his architectural projects and private drawings. There were sections of his friendships with Tommaso de'Cavalieri and Vittoria Colonna including a clear description of the latter’s poetry and religious beliefs.

There was a good analysis of his collaboration with other artists including Marcello Venusti and Daniele da Volterra outlining how he produced drawings for them to work from. Most moving was the last section of drawings which were probably made as part of his meditative process.

Throughout good use was made of his letters and poetry and, despite the grumpy portrait at the start of the exhibition, a picture of a warm and very human man emerged. 

Closed 28 July 2024

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