Michelangelo was born near Florence and showed early artistic talent, being apprenticed to Lorenzo de Medici's sculpting school. He created famous works like the Pieta and David statue in Florence before being commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel over four years, using techniques like sfumato and perspective. Later in life, Michelangelo also worked as an architect, designing St. Peter's Basilica's dome and Pope Julius II's tomb, which took forty years to complete. Michelangelo demonstrated extraordinary talent and longevity as a sculptor, painter, poet and architect over his long career.