BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MICHAEL ANGELO. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Florence 

 in 1474 ; and by his labors in art and architecture, be- 

 came one of the most distinguished individuals of 

 mediaeval times. He sprang from honored stock, yet 

 rose to eminence by personal effort. When he re- 

 solved to become an artist, he was thought to have 

 lowered the dignity of his family ; however, his am- 

 bition was to be worthy the companionship of princes, 

 and during a long and eventful life he never fell below 

 a lofty standard. His father designed that he should 

 be fitted for the priestly office, but instead of studying 

 theology the lad spent his time in making pencil 

 sketches, in which he manifested more than ordinary 

 talent and originality. 



An incident in the student days of Michael An- 

 gelo may have done much to shape his destinies. 

 Lorenzo de Medici, the then ruling representative of 

 Tuscany, and an ardent lover of sculpture, established 

 a "garden" in Florence and supplied it with antique 

 statues, basso-relievos, and busts, to encourage ama- 

 teurs to embrace a rare opportunity for sketching and 

 modeling. To the Medici Garden young Angelo was 

 admitted, and he made such progress that his patron 

 paid him many compliments. He was invited to be- 

 come a member of the princely household, and to use 

 the magnificent libraries and extensive cabinets of 

 gems, medals, and other art treasures; and the zeal 

 manifested by the favored pupil delighted the heart 



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