Why was Michelangelo's David such a revolutionary work of art? And what happened when Michelangelo and Leonardo went head to head on a commission? Join Alastair and James in the second of four episodes charting the life and work of Michelangelo, who many regard as history's greatest artist.
Artworks in this episode include:
Michelangelo, David, 1501-04, Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence
Attributed to Daniele da Volterra, Portrait of Michelangelo, c.1545, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
After Leonardo, Copy of The Battle of Anghiari, 17th century, Musée du Louvre, Paris
Bastiano da Sangallo after Michelangelo, Copy of The Battle of Cascina, 1542, Royal Academy, London.
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Hosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James Fox
Additional Research: Catherine Ingram
Producer and Editor: Ben Harding
Executive Producer: Emma Cahusac
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Introduction
- 00:04:34 A Block of Marble
- 00:12:17 Michelangelo Takes on the Challenge
- 00:16:44 Where to Place David
- 00:19:50 Moving the Giant
- 00:22:41 Analyzing David
- 00:33:22 Michelangelo's Character
- 00:40:40 Rivalry with Leonardo da Vinci
- 00:50:20 Pope Julius II and the Tomb Commission
- 00:55:55 The Great Escape from Rome