A self-caricature of Michelangelo Buonarroti hidden in the portrait of Vittoria Colonna

Abstract

The specialized literature has described how the great anatomist par excellence, Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), like many other renowned artists of his time, included a self-portrait in many of his works. This article presents novel evidence that Michelangelo inserted his self-portrait into a sketch of his close friend, Vittoria Colonna (1490-1547). This work, made by Michelangelo in 1525, is currently in the collection of the British Museum in London, England. This self-portrait of Michelangelo can serve as a tool for analysing the artist's probable bodily dimensions and even his state of health during this period of his life. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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