This is only one of the many reasons why Michelangelo is a favorite artist of mine. Aside from the fact that he made truly remarkable and revolutionary sculptures, this letter gives him character. Notice the little doodle on the bottom right that suggests he was not just a socially inept artist who carved and painted all day, he did have a sense of humor too. It depicts how he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and though I have no inkling as to what the text translates to, I can only imagine it is of him complaining how arduous a task it was to paint upwards. Who wouldn’t complain? It was a fairly large commission but oh dear, that is a huge chapel! Nevertheless, I understand the fascination that people have of this magnificent frescoed ceiling. It would be hypocritical of me to deny its splendor. However, I happen to adore another of Michelangelo’s work more than the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and it is the statue of David.

I have a certain fondness for sculptures in the nude and the statue of David perfectly exhibits inherent beauty. It’s not as shallow as saying, “Oh his body looks hot!” As if the figure of this man was only as visually appealing as a piece of meat for a person dying of hunger. Not even close. Sure he has a pretty face and a “hot” body but one should notice the details. Though his hands might have been carved too big and his arms in an awkward position, the expression on his face signifies no tolerance to nonsense. And what amazes me is that it isn’t menacing. Just thinking about David going to battle with Goliath carrying only a sling and a stone… that right there is the definition of BOSS valor. His expression says it all, you battle not with strength but with intellect and of course, with God Almighty. And that’s what makes me appreciate this figure even more. Michelangelo didn’t carve David as fearful, gentle or vicious; he was adequately represented in his facial expression and his stance, not to mention his exquisite anatomical structure. I could go on and on about David and Michelangelo’s greatness but I should save that for another time. Right now, it’s.. Ciao :)