MICHELANGELO AND MEN

The male body through Michelangelo's eyes: art, devotion and desire in a stunning masterpiece

Michelangelo’s men are world famous. Everyone knows his David and his The Creation of Adam at the centre of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. His powerful, muscular nudes, precise anatomical drawings and magnificent, androgynous figures left a profound mark on art history.

In this book, leading international art historians look at Michelangelo’s men with fresh eyes and from every angle. How was he influenced by classical sculpture and what drew him to the Neoplatonic ideal of perfection and beauty? Did he dissect cadavers himself? What role did models play? And what did the male physique mean to him personally – both in his veneration of Christ’s body and in his intimate friendships with other, frequently young men? This key aspect of his art has never before been placed centre stage.

Michelangelo’s exceptional works are reproduced here in all their glory and with numerous details, making this book a visual musthave for every art lover.

With contributions from, amongst others, Martin Gayford, Paul Joannides, Michael Rocke, and Jennifer Sliwka.

Publication accompanying the onceinalifetime exhibition featuring more than forty works by Michelangelo at Teylers Museum in Haarlem, The Netherlands, from 15 October 2025 to 25 January 2026.