St. Peter's Basilica Dome by Michelangelo
St. Peter's Basilica dome was completed in 1626. Michelangelo was so impressed by Bramante's original plan for the dome that he based his design on it. By reinforcing the central piers, the artist made it possible for them to bear such a large dome.
 Michelangelo worked on St. Peter's Basilica from 1546 until his death in 1564. Thanks to him, the great dome (dome 265 feet high x 190 feet in diameter) became reality. The basilica can be visited in the Vatican. |
Though he did not live to see the completion of his artistic idea, in the years that followed his death the present dome, an inspiring tour de force, was built according to his exact designs.
To learn more about Michelangelo, art history, and other famous artists, see:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Mitchell Ruehring is a freelance writer who has contributed promotional commentary for the works of many artists, including Erté and Thomas McKnight. She has also contributed to publications such as Kerry Hallam: Artistic Visions and Liudmila Kondakova: World of Enchantment. In addition, she has received recognition from the National Society of Arts and Letters.
