A Brilliant Lesson from the Artist Michelangelo
By Tom Russell
The artist Michelangelo often stirred up the hatred of the contemporary artists of his day. Many of them envied his magnificent abilities. One example was the architect Bramante.
Pope Julius retained Michelangelo to build his tomb. Michelangelo spent eight months in a marble pit personally cutting and selecting perfect stones. When he returned, he found the pope had second thoughts. Bramante had convinced the pope that building the tomb before his death was a risky thing to do. Out of spite, Bramante turned Pope Julius against the project. It was canceled.
Later the idea for another special project entered the pope’s mind. Bramante saw the project as a time consuming trap for which there would be little public recognition. Bramante recommended Michelangelo for the job.
The great artist saw the trap. He knew what Bramante was up to. He wished to turn the project down but did not want to refuse the pope’s request. So Michelangelo went to work. He spent many years doing the slow and tedious labor the project required.
It was the Sistine Chapel.
The inspiration that flowed through Michelangelo can likewise flow through anyone. Inspiration WANTS TO FLOW. It cannot be stopped. A living and powerful river, inspiration circumvents all obstacles. When handed lemons, the river makes the most delicious and refreshing lemonade you’ve ever tasted!
However, it is a key point that Michelangelo SAW the trap. He knew what Bramante was up to. As a result, he collected his inner forces for a complete victory.
One more grand lesson from Michelangelo. He said once, “The more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows.” After he finished the statue David someone asked him how he did it. Michelangelo replied, “I released the statue from the stone.” He chiseled away all that was unnecessary, and David emerged.
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