Michelangelo's first painting, created when he was 12 or 13 (openculture.com)

Article summary

Michelangelo's first known painting, created when he was 12 or 13 years old, is a depiction of the torment of Saint Anthony, based on a widely known engraving by Martin Schongauer. The painting was not thought to be by Michelangelo until it was examined and cleaned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2008. Infrared reflectography revealed pentimenti, or correction marks, which suggest that the painting is an original work created with artistic freedom. The painting is now attributed to Michelangelo and is considered one of his earliest known works.

Main themes

• Michelangelo's early work
• artistic talent and training
• painting attribution and authentication
• art history and provenance
• Renaissance art and culture
• copying and originality in art

What commenters say

• The painting's quality and complexity are impressive for a 12-year-old, but it is likely that Michelangelo had prior experience and training in art.
• The fact that the painting is a copy of an existing engraving does not diminish its significance or Michelangelo's skill.
• The attribution of the painting to Michelangelo is not universally accepted and some argue that it could be the work of another artist, such as Francesco Granacci.
• The painting's significance lies not only in its artistic value but also in its historical importance as one of the earliest known works of a renowned artist.
• The idea that Michelangelo was born with innate talent and did not need to practice or learn is a misconception that can be damaging to those who want to develop their own artistic skills.
• The painting's style and technique are consistent with Michelangelo's later work, but it is still a remarkable achievement for a young artist.
• The use of pentimenti as evidence of the painting's originality is not conclusive and could be open to interpretation.
• The painting's history and provenance are complex and require further study and analysis to fully understand its significance.