Friends of the Uffizi - Michelangelo: The World’s First Artistic Celebrity

By the time Michelangelo was in his 60s, he was easily the most famous artist in the world. Known as “Il Divino” and sought after by intellectuals, princes, and popes, it could be argued that Michelangelo was the world’s first superstar artist. With this fame came the need to control and manipulate his public image – a thing for which the artist demonstrated a surprising aptitude. Dr. Emily Fenichel, Florida Atlantic University Associate Professor of Art History, explores how the artist used his commemorative portrait medal, high-profile friendships, and even his tomb monument to craft the image of a noble and pious man for his adoring fans. 

Dr. Fenichel is the author of numerous articles on Michelangelo, particularly his religious works. Her newest book, Michelangelo’s Art of Devotion in the Age of Reform was published with Cambridge University Press in 2023.