Social Status

I do not think it would be enlightening to say that Michelangelo was a snob. On the contrary, in view of the poor social status of the artist—a mere artisan—which he did much to alter, the fact that Michelangelo was determined to strengthen through art the pride and wealth of his family, is a measure of his huge belief in the reparative nature of aesthetic activity. He cared nothing for appearances3: though he became rich, he chose to live very simply in some degree of squalor: he preferred to be lonely. He continued to accumulate money for the family long after his father and two of his four brothers were dead. Though this ‘saving' of the family was conceived in terms of restoring their position, it is obvious that the compulsiveness at work did not issue in the predominant need for social approbation.

He paraded himself in letters and poems as the most miserable of men; he was also not slow to think and say that each of the close relatives was worthless. He felt persecuted by them. (The father on one occasion at least made use of Michelangelo's money without consulting him, but he was quick to share with Michelangelo the consequent anger, regret and alarm. In regard to his unreliable and impulsive family, Michelangelo showed bitterness that is the measure, not so much of thwarted self-approbation, as of enslavement. It cannot be said in the light of their letters that the family were not affectionate, though they were ‘on the make', careless in the use of money furnished by Michelangelo, ready to ask a favor from him. All shared in the anxiety concerning each other's safety and health. Both the father and Buonaroto urge Michelangelo at different times to throw up his work and return to them: it would seem they were unable to make an important decision without his help. Even in offering advice, they are usually careful to stress that he, Michelangelo, is the wise one.

We also Recommend: