Packed with information, this exhibition Michelangelo: the last decades currently on at the British Museum, covers the final 30 years of the artist’s life. As usual I’ll only focus on a very few pieces.
You can see a projection of The Last Judgement, a huge fresco (13.7 x 12 metres) on the alter wall of the Sistine Chapel, which he created and painted in his early sixties, aware that it would be compared to his ceiling painted two decades earlier.
He controversially painted all the figures completely naked and his vision is much darker.
The overlaying of his drawings show how close the painting is to them.
I admire the painting but it’s the drawing that really moves me.
Here’s a portrait of Michelangelo when he was in his seventies drawn by his friend Daniele da Volterra.
Da Volterra was the artist hired to cover up the genitals in The Last Judgement: all the flowing drapery and loincloths over groins (of which there are many) are his work.
Michelangelo reflected more deeply on his faith as he grew older, producing multiple versions of the crucifixion. The delicacy of this Christ on the cross, drawn for his friend Vittoria Colonna, is exquisite.
Look at the softness of the right hip and the moulding of flesh.
If you can’t visit the exhibition then go to the British Museum website to see more.
