Michelangelo Buonarroti: March 6, 1475

Michelangelo was arguably the most famous artist of the Italian Renaissance, and one of the greatest artists of all time. He considered himself a sculptor, primarily, but is equally well known for his paintings. He was also an architect and an amateur poet.  His most famous statues include the 18-foot David (1501-1504) and the Pietà (1499).  He created one of the greatest masterpieces of all time on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (1508-1512), and The Last Judgement (1534-1541) on the altar wall of the same chapel many years later.

Michelangelo said, "Genius is eternal patience."