Michelangelo was a hugely influential artist during the Renaissance period who made significant contributions across multiple artistic disciplines. As a sculptor, painter and architect, he pushed artistic conventions in new directions and established standards that influenced subsequent generations of artists. His iconic works, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling and David statue, came to symbolize the Renaissance and captured the beauty and ideals of the era. Michelangelo's fame and success as an artist also helped elevate the social status of artists during the Renaissance.