© Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Studies for profiles - eyes and hair

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  Andrea Quaratesi, Michelangelo's favourite pupil

 

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Michelangelo

Michelangelo's pupils

Michelangelo had a number of pupils and assistants whom he tried to pass on his skills to. One way he did this was to draw things for them to copy. On this large piece of paper they are practising eyes and heads. Can you work out which ones are by the master, and which by his pupils? It is thought that he drew the top right head and the eye seen from straight on in the middle at the top.

On the bottom right of the paper Michelangelo has written a message to one of his pupils. It says Andrea abbi patientia - 'Andrea have patience'. The only surviving portrait by Michelangelo is of the same pupil, Andrea Quaratesi.

Resources for teachers

Discussion points and activities about Michelangelo and his pupils.

Download teacher notes (24 Kb)