Before reaching the age of 30, Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) had already sculpted David and Pieta, two of the most famous sculptures in the entire history of art. As a sculptor, painter, draftsman, and architect, the achievements of this Italian master are unique-since before his time and until today, no artist has ever produced such a vast, multifaceted, and wide-ranging oeuvre.

This comprehensive book explores Michelangelo's life and work with a richly illustrated biographical essay and a complete four-part inventory of all his paintings, sculptures, buildings, and drawings. Full-page reproductions and enlarged details allow the reader to admire even the finest minutiae, while texts offer an in-depth profile of Michelangelo's personality and circumstances-spanning his solitary nature, his thirst for money and commissions, his immense wealth, and his skill as a property investor. We also tackle the controversial issue of the attribution of Michelangelo drawings, an area in which decisions continue to be steered by the private interests of the art market and major collections.

Commemorating the 450th anniversary of his death, this is the definitive work about Michelangelo for generations to come.