Known for Painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In painting and in sculpture, rendering the human form in a wide variety of positions and with great emotional expression, and creating several of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance.

1490-1492  While residing in the palace of Lorenzo de' Medici in Florence, carved the Battle of the Centaurs, a relief sculpture characterized by dynamic action and a dense, complex arrangement of figures.

1498-1500  In Rome, carved the Pietà, a sculpture remarkable for its emotional control, delicate rendering of flesh and cloth, and sophisticated composition.

1501-1504  In Florence, sculpted David, which despite its monumental size is notable for portraying a subtle balance of strength and vulnerability.

1505-1512  In Rome at the request of Pope Julius II, executed ceiling frescoes for the Sistine Chapel.

1510-1516  Created a series of sculptures for the tomb of Julius II, including Moses and Dying Slave, but the project was never completed.

1516  Returned to Florence, where from 1519 to 1534 he worked on designs for the Medici family tombs.

1527-1529  Discontinued his art temporarily to defend the newly created republic of Florence, utilizing his design skills to modernize defenses and supervise construction of the city's fortifications.

 

1534-1541  In Rome, painted The Last Judgment on the wall of the Sistine Chapel.

1546  Became chief architect of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, and designed the dome that became the inspiration for many capital buildings in the United States.