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New Book Highlights The Lesser-Known Accomplishments Of Michelangelo In His 80s

"Michelangelo, God's Architect: The Story of His Final Years and Greatest Masterpiece" will be published on Nov. 19, 2019.
EMILY WOODBURY | ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO
"Michelangelo, God's Architect: The Story of His Final Years and Greatest Masterpiece" will be published on Nov. 19, 2019.

Most people are knowledgeable about the early accomplishments of Michelangelo, like his work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling in his 30s. But the artist and architect worked well into his 80s, at a time when the average life expectancy was about 40 to 45 years. In fact, he was still carving sculptures four days before he died.

William Wallace is an art history professor at Washington University in St. Louis.
Credit EMILY WOODBURY | ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO
William Wallace is an art history professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

The latter part of Michelangelo’s career is the focus of a new book by Washington University art history professor William Wallace. It’s titled “Michelangelo, God's Architect: The Story of His Final Years and Greatest Masterpiece.” 

According to Wallace, one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces is his work as an architect on St. Peter's Basilica. Wallace said Michelangelo knew that he wouldn't live to see the work completed.

“He wanted to do as much as possible to ensure that the dome would get built according to his design, and that’s what he worked to accomplish,” Wallace said. “And he did it. Although he never saw the dome, the dome is his construction, his design; and we call St. Peter’s his church because of the power of his design and the power of his authority for those 18 years when he worked on it.”

On Wednesday’s St. Louis on the Air, Sarah Fenske talked with Wallace about his latest research on the artist.

Listen to their conversation:

St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is hosted by Sarah Fenske and produced by Alex Heuer, Emily Woodbury, Evie Hemphill, Lara Hamdan and Tonina Saputo. The engineer is Aaron Doerr, and production assistance is provided by Charlie McDonald.

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Copyright 2021 St. Louis Public Radio. To see more, visit St. Louis Public Radio.

Emily Woodbury joined the St. Louis on the Air team in July 2019. Prior to that, she worked at Iowa Public Radio as a producer for two daily, statewide talk programs. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science. She got her start in news radio by working at her college radio station as a news director. Emily enjoys playing roller derby, working with dogs, and playing games – both video and tabletop.