Mastery Requires Control

Michelangelo's artistry was characterized by significant control over his work, limiting what his assistants could contribute. Despite hiring twelve assistants, he often micromanaged the projects, particularly during the creation of the Sistine Chapel, where his hands-on approach ensured the precision and beauty of the ceiling's details. This tendency persisted until his later projects, when physical limitations forced him to delegate more. Michelangelo's personality was also marked by difficulty in relationships, highlighted by rivalries and conflicts with contemporaries, which affected his interactions within the artistic community.