He painted the Sistine Chapel, he sculpted the famous David, he was a poet, architect, and inventor. Everyone thought Michelangelo was a genius… except Michelangelo. And as he got older his self-doubt and search for reassurance from friends increased. Curator, Sarah Vowles, reveals how one the world’s greatest artistic geniuses coped with the challenges of getting old.

00:00 Introduction
00:21 The Fall of Phaeton https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1895-0915-517
06:14 Crucifixion https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1895-0915-509
10:01 Virgin and child https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1859-0625-562


Drawing of Phaeton - Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024