Art Smart Michelangelo

Probably the greatest sculptor in history was Michelangelo Buonarroti, and he wasn't shy about it. While visiting St. Peter's Basilica, he overheard some visitors admiring his work. The marble sculpture, called the Pieta, showed Mary tenderly holding Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Unfortunately, the admirers mistakenly credited another artist with creating it. His pride hurt, Michelangelo came back at night, quietly stuck into the church, and carved a message in the sash across Mary's chest. It says, Michelangelo Buonarroti Florentine made this. He later regretted his impetuous action, and he never signed another of his sculptures. But then, he probably didn't need to. Michelangelo became so famous during his lifetime, his work was known far and wide. With ArtSmart, I'm Katie.