San Lorenzo, façade (c.1517; Florence, Italy) by Michelangelo

The artwork, titled “San Lorenzo, façade,” was created by Michelangelo around the year 1517 in Florence, Italy. Rendered in ink, this piece belongs to the High Renaissance art movement and exemplifies the genre of sketch and study.

The artwork depicts a preliminary architectural design, meticulously sketched, showcasing a façade structured into two distinct levels. The lower portion of the drawing consists of symmetric columns and arches, suggesting grand entrances. The upper section features a series of framed niches and roundels, encapsulating Michelangelo’s vision for sculptural and ornamental detail. Each segment of the façade is emphasized by linear precision and balanced proportions, characteristic of Renaissance architectural aesthetics. Despite its simplicity and incomplete nature, the sketch conveys a sense of harmony and grandeur.

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