A major autumn exhibition is devoted to the great Renaissance master Michelangelo and his far-reaching influence on art’s subsequent history. The art created by this Tuscan is fascinating particularly for his heroic figures, whose physiques stand out for their exceptional strength and monumentality. They seem energetic and possessed of intense emotions that lend vigor to their acts.

Even so, his deeply soulful figures also lend expression to tensions, inner torment, and conflicts. Especially in his nudes, Michelangelo originated a new figurative ideal that not only influenced the artists of his own day but also had lasting effects on subsequent generations. The present exhibition sets out to render this influence visible in light of selected examples.

Nude drawings by Michelangelo will be juxtaposed with corresponding works on paper by artists from his circle and from among his successors such as Daniele da Volterra, Rosso Fiorentino, Baccio Bandinelli, Francesco Salviati, and Domenico Beccafumi in order to make clear the sustained influence of the Michelangelesque ideal.

This model function will also be shown via comparison of his works with drawings by artists of later generations and centuries. In doing so, we will also be grouping the exhibited works according to their themes—such as depictions of the Fall of Man, the lamentation and crucifixion of Christ, and the deeds of Hercules.

The female body also plays a role, even though Michelangelo quite possibly never drew a naked woman, instead lending the male body a feminine appearance. This exhibition concentrates on works held by the ALBERTINA Museum, with only certain specific drawings by Michelangelo to be requested from other museums.

On view from 15 September 2023 until 7 January 2024 at the ALBERTINA museum in Vienna.