Michelangelo's dramatic power ruled the world art scene at the beginning of the 16th century. During almost 90 years of agony and ecstasy, he dug out of marble one hammer blow after the other the secret souls of restless figures. Primarily a sculptor, Michelangelo was also a painter, an architect and a poet; he was an unparalleled spokesman for the journey of Renaissance man, from praise to disillusionment.