Definition

Adjective: - In the manner of Michelangelo: Resembling or characteristic of the style, artistic qualities, or monumental grandeur associated with the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564). This often refers to works of art, especially sculpture and painting, that exhibit heroic scale, muscular human forms, dramatic tension, and sublime beauty.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The sculptor's latest work is truly Michelangelesque in its depiction of powerful, dynamic figures.
  • The fresco's grand composition and anatomical precision were praised as Michelangelesque.
  • Critics described the architect's domed design as having a Michelangelesque grandeur.

Advanced Usage

• As a term of art criticism: Used to describe later artworks that consciously emulate or are heavily influenced by Michelangelo's distinctive style.
  • The Mannerist painters often sought a Michelangelesque complexity in their figures.
• Figurative use: Can be applied to non-artistic contexts to describe something of epic scale, heroic effort, or sublime quality.
  • The engineer undertook the Michelangelesque task of redesigning the city's entire infrastructure.

Variants and Related Words

• Michelangelo (Proper noun): The Italian Renaissance artist.
• Michelangelesque is the primary adjectival form. There is no common variant like "Michelangelian" in standard usage.

Synonyms

• Heroic: Having the qualities of a hero; of impressive size, scale, or effect.
• Monumental: Great in importance, extent, or size.
• Sublime: Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.

Antonyms

• Modest: Unassuming in size, scale, or pretension.
• Delicate: Very fine in texture or structure; intricately pleasing.
• Minimalist: Using simple elements with little ornamentation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

(Note: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "Michelangelesque" as it is a specific stylistic adjective.) - In the tradition of Michelangelo: A phrase with similar meaning, indicating work that follows the artistic principles of Michelangelo. - He sculpts in the tradition of Michelangelo, focusing on the idealized human form.

Adjective

1. in the manner of Michelangelo