What is distinctive about Michelangelo’s approach to sculpture?
Discuss Mike’s treatment of the figure in reference to at least three examples. Michelangelo’s approach to sculpture is very distinctive. Before Michelangelo created his sculpture he would study the marble from which it was to be carved in order to get a sense of what it was. Michelangelo believed that there were figures that were trapped inside the marble dying to get out, and by carving them loose, he “set free their spirits”. One example of this would be his sculpture of the slave. This shows the soul leaving the body and the body right before its fall. Michelangelo was also very good at showing the figure in an action pose; meaning right before the figure was about to do something, i.e. spring into action. Michelangelo’s David and Moses both portray this. David portrays his movement right before he is about to kill Goliath. Moses portrays his anger toward his people turning back to worshipping the golden calf and he is about to leave up in anger. Michelangelo also paid great attent
