Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael were the three most prominent artists during the High Renaissance. All of them studied artistic masterpieces from antiquity. However, they also built on the work of the Early Renaissance in separating themselves from antiquity by creating art that was far more realistic and beautiful.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) had an array of interests—he was a sculptor, inventor, architect, and scientist—but he is primarily remembered as a painter. One of his most well-known paintings is The Last Supper, which depicts Jesus breaking bread as his disciples discuss who will betray Him. Unfortunately, Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings are notoriously fragile, and they decay quickly because of the experimental paint he used in his works. Nevertheless, he is considered one of the greatest painters of the High Renaissance, using his skills to glorify men.
Michelangelo (1475-1564) was the complete opposite of Leonardo da Vinci, and the two men developed a feud with each other. While Leonardo used his art to glorify men, as a devout Christian, Michelangelo used all his art to glorify God. Though he was primarily a marble carver, he also had extensive skills in painting and poetry. Starting his career when he was only seventeen years old, Michelangelo had the longest career of the High Renaissance artists, lasting seventy years. With such a long working life, it is hard to find a favorite piece that he created. In terms of artistic greatness, his most prominent work is probably the marble carving Pietta, which depicts Mary holding Jesus after his crucifixion. Many regard this as the greatest marble carving ever created, which is why it may be Michelangelo’s most significant work. However, he also painted the Sistene Chapel in 1508. This was a notoriously difficult feat. To paint the roof, Michelangelo had to stand on a ladder and paint above his head. Without a doubt, this would have been very physically taxing. Moreover, he did not regard himself as a spectacular painter because marble carvings were his specialty, so he speculated that one of his enemies persuaded the Pope to hire him as a means of trying to humiliate him. Despite this, the work of art turned out to be a massive success. The most well-known section of the Sistene Chapel is probably God the Father giving Adam life.
Raphael (1483-1520) studied under Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Pope Julius II commissioned Raphael to decorate the Stanza della Segnatura. Since this library was in the Vatican, Julius asked Raphael to paint something that symbolized harmony between Christian religion and Greek philosophy. So, Raphael chose to paint numerous Greek philosophers inside this library in the Vatican.
In conclusion, the three most prominent artists during the High Renaissance were Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Leonardo had many interests, but he was primarily a painter; Michelangelo was primarily a marble sculptor, but his paintings were beautiful too; and Raphael was primarily a painter, often focusing on portraits. Even though they ranged in individual styles and preferences, these three men epitomized High Renaissance art.
Asher Sisneros 