Michelangelo Buonarroti, renowned for masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Statue of David, is often viewed as the epitome of artistic genius. His works have become symbols of human creativity and transcendence. However, beyond his monumental contributions to art, Michelangelo’s everyday life, captured in small personal documents, reveals the more human side of the master. One such document is a fascinating grocery list, showcasing not only his artistic precision but also his humanity. This simple yet remarkable artifact offers an unexpected glimpse into the daily life of the iconic artist.

A Glimpse Into Michelangelo’s Daily Life

Michelangelo’s works are often regarded as divine creations, transcending ordinary human experience. However, the grocery list he sketched in 1518 presents a more relatable, everyday aspect of his life. In a world where we often imagine great artists as distant, almost mythical figures, this list reminds us that even the most renowned geniuses have mundane concerns, such as what to eat.

Michelangelo’s grocery list, created on the back of a letter, is one of the few surviving personal documents from the artist. It offers a rare look at what he needed to fuel his body while creating masterpieces. The document itself, housed at the Casa Buonarroti in Florence, provides a fascinating contrast to his grand works, offering a personal connection to the genius who revolutionized art. This everyday glimpse into his life is a refreshing break from the myths surrounding his legendary status.

The Unusual Method: Sketching the List for His Servant

What sets Michelangelo’s grocery list apart from a typical shopping list is the method he used to communicate his needs. Rather than simply writing out his request, he sketched illustrations of the items he wanted. This was done for the benefit of his servant, who was likely illiterate. By drawing food items such as bread, fish, and wine, Michelangelo ensured that his servant could easily identify and purchase the right items, even without the ability to read.

Michelangelo’s creative impulse extended beyond his art, even into the mundane task of grocery shopping. The sketches themselves are charming in their simplicity—bread rolls depicted as quick, sketchy circles, a herring drawn elegantly in the air, and wine jugs carefully differentiated by size to indicate the amount he desired. His artistic style, evident even in these small sketches, shows how deeply creativity permeated his life. The fact that Michelangelo took the time to illustrate these simple requests is a testament to his meticulous nature, even in matters of everyday routine.

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A Breakdown of Michelangelo’s Meal Plan

The grocery list is more than just a random assortment of food; it’s a carefully thought-out meal plan. The artist’s dietary choices, recorded in the list, give insight into what he consumed on a daily basis. His menu consisted of fish, bread, vegetables, and wine—typical fare for many Italians in the 16th century. The list is broken down into three separate meals, each with specific food items.

For one meal, Michelangelo requested two bread rolls, for another, six. He also asked for two dishes of stewed fennel, which may suggest he was planning to dine with someone else. The rest of the list includes items like anchovies, salad, and a smaller portion of wine—indicating that Michelangelo had particular preferences when it came to his meals. This meal plan may seem modest, but it is clear that Michelangelo was accustomed to fine dining, as the choices reflect the quality ingredients of the time.

In particular, the presence of fish and stewed vegetables indicates a higher status of dining, despite Michelangelo’s frugal reputation. The simplicity of the list is balanced by the care with which he drew the items, indicating a level of attention to detail even in the context of daily life.

Michelangelo’s Frugality and Upscale Tastes

Although Michelangelo is often described as frugal, especially with his wealth, his grocery list suggests a more complex relationship with money and status. While he was known for living modestly and avoiding extravagance, his food choices indicate that he didn’t skimp on quality when it came to certain aspects of life. The fish and vegetables he selected were likely of high quality, and the wine he requested was a dry, refined variety. These details point to the possibility that, while Michelangelo may have been careful with his finances, he still enjoyed the finer things in life—especially when it came to dining.

This contrast between his frugality and his more indulgent tastes provides a more nuanced view of Michelangelo. He was a man who could create divine art, but also a man who sought simple pleasures, such as good food, and didn’t hesitate to indulge in quality ingredients when the occasion arose.

Historical Context: Lent and Its Influence on Michelangelo’s Diet

The timing of Michelangelo’s grocery list is particularly significant. The list was written during Lent, a period when Catholics refrain from eating meat as part of their religious observance. As a devout Catholic, Michelangelo adhered to these practices, which is why his list is primarily composed of fish, bread, and vegetables. This religious context highlights the connection between Michelangelo’s diet and his faith, adding another layer of meaning to the list.

During Lent, it was customary for people to avoid eating meat, so the inclusion of fish and vegetables was typical for the period. Michelangelo’s adherence to this tradition, even as a celebrated artist, reflects his personal devotion and highlights the intersection of his spirituality and daily life.

The Survival and Importance of the List

Michelangelo was fiercely protective of his personal image, often destroying sketches and documents that he felt were not perfect representations of his genius. In 1518, he even burned many of his early drawings. As a result, only around 600 sketches from Michelangelo remain today. The survival of his grocery list is remarkable, and its preservation offers an invaluable glimpse into the more mundane aspects of his life.

The fact that this document survived centuries of potential destruction speaks to its historical importance. In a sense, the list offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at a man who was often viewed as distant and larger-than-life. It serves as a reminder that, despite his extraordinary talents, Michelangelo was a human being with simple needs and desires.

Exploring More Handwritten Works by Michelangelo

In addition to this grocery list, Michelangelo’s surviving handwritten works provide a fascinating view into the creative process and the human side of the artist. His letters, sketches, and other documents reveal not only his genius but also his struggles and relationships. The Casa Buonarroti in Florence holds many of these works, preserving the legacy of one of history’s greatest artists. The gallery of these sketches includes letters and more personal drawings, giving us a deeper understanding of Michelangelo as a man beyond the artist.

Conclusion: Michelangelo the Artist and the Man

Michelangelo’s grocery list may seem like a trivial artifact, but it offers a rare glimpse into the life of a genius. It shows us that, behind the towering sculptures and awe-inspiring frescoes, Michelangelo was a man with everyday concerns, just like any of us. Through this list, we can see the artist not just as a divine genius, but as a human being with simple pleasures, like a good meal. The survival of this document provides us with a rare, intimate connection to one of history’s greatest minds, showing us that, despite his artistic achievements, Michelangelo was as human as any of us.

Video

Watch the video to discover the story of Michelangelo, the legendary sculptor! Don’t miss this fascinating look at his life and masterpieces.