Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian sculptor, painter, and architect born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, Italy. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance period. His most famous works include the sculptures of David and Pietà, as well as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Throughout his life, Michelangelo's artistic talents were recognized and celebrated, leading him to work for prominent patrons, including Pope Julius II. His ability to convey human emotion and physical form in his art has left a lasting impact on Western art and culture. Michelangelo passed away on February 18, 1564, in Rome.