Vienna › ALBERTINA

The master of the Renaissance: Michelangelo is one of a handful of artists whose fame has been unwavering for centuries. Although his art and his ideals are deeply rooted in the attitudes of the time – the heyday of the Renaissance and the progressive 16th century – the impact of his work extends into the present day.

Michelangelo and Beyond deals with the emergence and the power, the decrease in significance and the decline of a canon – a canon on which Michelangelo and his works made a lasting impression 500 years ago – and how the generations that followed have approached this template since.

The exhibition shows the rediscovery of the ancient body ideal during Michelangelo’s lifetime and the revolutionary advances in the representation of human anatomy. In addition to Michelangelo, Raphael, Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Mengs, Batoni, Klimt and Schiele are presented, each developing their own understanding of the body, be it through imitation, further development or vehement rejection of Michelangelo’s ideal.

Travelharry tip: Combine art and cuisine and start the day with a delicious Michelangelo breakfast in the Do&Co Restaurant Albertina, followed by a guided tour (can be booked separately).