The life Michelangelo didn’t show you

When we think of Michelangelo, images of the towering David or the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel ceiling often come to mind. These masterpieces showcase his unparalleled talent and dedication. Yet, behind these iconic works lies a lesser-known facet of his genius: an intense obsession with perfection that led him to leave several projects unfinished.

The pursuit of perfection

Michelangelo's commitment to perfection was not merely about achieving aesthetic excellence. It was a deeply ingrained philosophy, one that is embodied in his saying "Trifles make perfection, and perfection is not trifle." To Michelangelo, event the smallest details mattered immensely.

This meticulousness is evident in his approach to sculpture. He would spend countless hours selecting the perfect marble block, sometimes even abandoning a piece if it revealed imperfections during carving. His dedication was such that he often worked alone, preferring solitude to focus entirely on his craft.

The unfinished works

Despite his relentless pursuit of perfection, Michelangelo left several works incomplete. Among the most famous are the series of sculptures known as the "Prisoners" or "Slaves," which were intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II. Some claim that these figures were deliberately left unfinished, symbolizing the eternal human struggle to free the spirit from the material.

Another notable unfinished piece is the "Rondanini Pietà," a sculpture Michelangelo worked on until the last days of his life. This work reflects a departure from his earlier style, showcasing a more abstract and elongated form, perhaps indicating his evolving artistic vision.

Michelangelo's unfinished paintings, such as the "Manchester Madonna" and "The Entombment," provide insight into his changing techniques and the challenges he faced balancing multiple commissions.

The philosophy of 'non finito'

The concept of non finito, or "unfinished," became a hallmark of Michelangelo's work. This technique involves leaving a sculpture incomplete, allowing the raw stone to contrast with the finished portions. It was not merely a result of time constraints but a deliberate artistic choice, reflecting the belief that true perfection is unattainable and that beauty lies in imperfection.

The approach was influenced by Platonic philosophy, which posits that physical forms are mere shadows of their perfect, ideal counterparts. By leaving his sculptures unfinished, Michelangelo acknowledged the impossibility of achieving divine perfection in the material world.

The emotional toll

Michelangelo's perfectionism was not without personal cost.

In his letters, Michelangelo often conveyed feelings of exhaustion and self-doubt. For instance, during the arduous task of painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, he described his physical discomfort and mental strain, stating, "My painting is dead. Defend it for me, Giovanni, protect my honor. I am not in the right place—I am not a painter."

This emotional turmoil may have contributed to his tendency to leave works unfinished. The pressure to achieve perfection, combines with the fear of falling short, could have made completion an insurmountable challenge.

Legacy of an obsession

While his completed works continue to inspire awe, his unfinished pieces offer a closer look at his creative process and philosophical beliefs. They remind us that the pursuit of perfection is a double-edged sword, driving innovation and excellence, yet often accompanied by personal sacrifice.