Who was Michelangelo and what were some of his famous sculptures and paintings?

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, commonly known as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, and architect during the High Renaissance. Born in 1475 in Tuscany, Michelangelo's early artistic talent was recognized by his father, who enrolled him as an apprentice to a painter at the age of 13.

Michelangelo is best known for his magnificent sculptures, such as the 'David,' which he created between 1501 and 1504. This marble masterpiece stands at 17 feet tall and is considered to be one of the greatest sculptures ever created. Another of Michelangelo's most famous works is the 'Pieta,' a sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus.

In addition to his sculptures, Michelangelo was also a renowned painter. One of his most famous works is the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, which he painted between 1508 and 1512. The ceiling is considered to be one of the greatest works of art in Western history, featuring a series of panels depicting scenes from the Bible.

Michelangelo's other notable works include the 'Moses' sculpture and the 'Last Judgment' fresco in the Sistine Chapel. He died in 1564 at the age of 88, but his legacy lives on as one of the most famous artists of all time.