The exhibition “Michelangelo: The Last Decades,” opening at London’s British Museum, shines a spotlight on the lesser-known final years of the Italian genius Michelangelo. Spanning from his 50s to his passing at nearly 89 years old, the exhibition features rare treasures, including the two-meter-high “Epifania,” a black chalk drawing by Michelangelo that is one of the largest Renaissance works on paper. This drawing, recently restored, is the artist’s sole surviving complete cartoon and stands as one of the British Museum’s most prized treasures. Lead curator Sarah Vowles describes Michelangelo’s later works as introspective and thoughtful, reflecting his personal struggles with universal human feelings as he aged and contemplated faith seeking salvation.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore early studies for Michelangelo’s famous works, such as figures for “The Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel, alongside later drawings made just before his death, revealing the evolution of his artistic style. Vowles notes that while the early drawings may be more dramatic and focused on the male anatomy, Michelangelo’s later works show a shift towards a more spiritual and weighty representation of figures, with a particular focus on the interior aspects. In addition to his artistic creations, the exhibition also features letters that provide insight into Michelangelo’s personal life, including correspondence with his nephew Leonardo Buonarroti and Daniele da Volterra, urging Leonardo to visit his ailing uncle as soon as possible.
Despite his advancing age, Michelangelo’s ambition and creativity remained undiminished. The exhibition highlights his involvement in major projects such as the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, showcasing his enduring design prowess and innovative spirit. Vowles emphasizes that even in his later years, Michelangelo continued to take on challenging and groundbreaking projects, including major fresco commissions like The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel and the Pauline Chapel, as well as work on the massive construction site of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The exhibition aims to highlight the continued creativity and innovation of artists well into their later years, challenging the notion that artistic inspiration diminishes with age.
“Michelangelo: The Last Decades” provides a unique opportunity to delve into a lesser-known period of Michelangelo’s life and work, showcasing his personal reflections and artistic evolution in his final years. By presenting a range of drawings from different stages of his career, the exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Michelangelo’s changing style and thematic focus. Through insightful commentary from the curator and the display of personal letters, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Michelangelo as both an artist and a person, offering a more nuanced perspective on his legacy and impact. The exhibition invites audiences to appreciate the enduring creativity and ambition of Michelangelo, highlighting his lasting influence on art and culture.
The unveiling of Michelangelo’s rare treasures, including the restored “Epifania” drawing, offers a glimpse into the artist’s profound introspection and spiritual contemplation as he grappled with his mortality. By showcasing both early and late works, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look at Michelangelo’s artistic development and changing style, revealing his inner struggles and evolving worldview. Through a combination of art pieces and personal correspondence, the exhibition paints a vivid portrait of Michelangelo in his final years, shedding light on his creative resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft. In doing so, “Michelangelo: The Last Decades” celebrates the enduring legacy of one of history’s greatest artists, showcasing his continued relevance and influence in the world of art and beyond.
