The Drawings of Michelangelo: Ashmolean Guided Tour

The Ashmolean Museum treasures one of the most important collections of Michelangelo’s drawings in the world. The drawings vary in theme, technique, medium and size, providing very rich insights into Michelangelo’s artistic practice and working methods. He executed drawings not simply as preparatory for paintings and sculptures; he also made them as independent works (‘presentation drawings’) which he gave to friends. In addition, he allowed some of his associates to use his designs as guide for their own commissions.  

This guided viewing will centre on twelve of Michelangelo’s drawings. It will discuss his artistic practice, new drawing techniques and relationships with his own paintings and sculptures, including studies for the Battle of Cascina (unfinished), the ceiling of the Sixtine Chapel (Rome), the Capitani in the Medici chapel (Florence), the Last Judgement (Rome) and late Pietàs (Milan and Florence). We will also look at a page from one of his sketchbooks (long dismembered). The examination of his drawings will be adopted mainly chronologically to facilitate our appreciation of both changes and continuities in his technique and drawing style.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 1 March 2027.