Michelangelo's Madonna of the Stairs and Renaissance innovation

Michelangelo created the "Madonna of the Stairs" at the age of sixteen, roughly during the year 1490. This marble relief was made during a time of great social, political and artistic upheaval in Italy. Michelangelo was an intensely artistic young man whose inspiration even at this early age knew no bounds. The "Madonna of the Stairs" then entailed the transition between the traditional and the new.

The traditional religious theme was common in Michelangelo's work during this time. He however presented his themes in a revolutionary way. His realistic portrayal of bodies for example was evident and acquired from his rigorous study of cadavers for the purpose of familiarizing himself with the human body.

Michelangelo was fairly lucky, as his most productive years were spent during the most important years of the Renaissance, when art enjoyed a privileged position. Regardless of the subject matter or the way in which it was presented, art was hailed as the product of the great human spirit. Thus Michelangelo's early works were supported both financially and socially. Even his father, having initially rejected the young artist's aspirations, nonetheless supported his efforts by providing him with the necessary social contacts to further his career.

Thus the artist's "Madonna of the Stairs" enjoys a reception as one of the first works of the Renaissance both at the time and centuries after his death. The integrity of this work was thus an accepted given.