Happy Birthday Michelangelo

When we hear the name Michelangelo, we automatically want to reference the Statue to David or the Sistine Chapel, maybe even St Peters Cathedral in Rome. But, do you begin to imagine his domestic life? Perhaps it is hard to imagine one of the greatest artists of all time needing to bathe, clean, or cook. From the pages of his biography, written by Paolo Giovio, we can see the less divine nature of Michelangelo. To quote Giovio, “His nature was so rough and uncouth that his domestic habits were incredibly squalid, and deprived posterity of any pupils who might have followed him.” For you faint hearts who prefer to understand him as IL Divino (the divine one), see the biography written by Giorgio Vasari, and never mind reading what is next.

 

Diet and Hygiene

The diet and hygiene of Michelangelo are two of the controversies that will surround him for eternity. Monetary and popularity wise, he was very successful with his profession as an artist. However, on his outward appearance, it was said you would not know him from a common beggar. Wealth was not something he thrived on nor did he exert himself on its benefits. His assistants would often remark they dreaded going within several feet of the man while he worked. His ‘personal stench’ was enough to drive them to quit. While painting the Sistine Chapel, records indicate the buckets of paint he desired were hoisted by poles so the apprentice would not have to go near him.

 

He ate very little. In the book, Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, Fred Plotkin discusses some of the favorite foods of the genius artist. Pears were a particular favorite of Michelangelo. There are accounts he would give them as gifts, 33 to be exact. It is recorded that he had a cheese cellar in which he kept different types of cheese. Most likely, they were sheep’s milk cheese. One type called Marzolino, as Plotkin writes, was his favorite. It was special because it was only made in March. Among his crops, Michelangelo had a vineyard and often grew olives for olive oil. Curious as to how a vintage 1503 would favor today. In addition, of course bread was always the centerpiece for any meal.

 

That’s about it folks. It’s acceptable to say he lived on his art more than his food. Many of his assistants would comment he often worked himself to great fatigue. They were not always sure if it was due to lack of nutrition or his own BO.

 

 

During his lifetime, he was the prominent genius ever to grace marble and fresco. And yet he was also the dread of anyone who had to breathe in his presence. Regardless, it was a system that worked. So well in fact, Michelangelo is the only Renaissance master to have his biography written while he was alive. So take a slice of cheese, glass of wine, maybe a pear or two, and let us toast to the birthday of Michelangelo!  543 never looked so good.

 

Maybe we should all take a lesson from this and acknowledge that even when it comes to food, less can be more.

And, as always, eat your history!

 

 

For more information regarding the life of Michelangelo check out:

Machelangelo. The Complete Paintings, Sculptures, and Architecture; TASCHEN Books

 

The Agony and the Ecstasy; Irving Stone