Cultural References to Michelangelo

In Psychology

The Michelangelo phenomenon was introduced in an article in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 1999. The phenomenon refers to the way that individuals in close relationships influence and ‘sculpt’ or shape each other’s manners such as disposition, values, and behaviors which draw out aspects of their ideal selves.

In Space

The asteroid 3001 Michelangelo is a small main belt asteroid that was discovered and named after the artist in 1982.

A crater on the planet Mercury, located in the Michelangelo quadrangle of Mercury, was named after the artist Michelangelo.

In Television

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character, Michelangelo, was named for the artist.

20/20 Secrets of the Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s Mystery aired May 2, 2008 and investigated the theory that Michelangelo included coded messages in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Iowa Public Television aired Michelangelo Revealed a broadcast discussing the darker side of the artist on May 13, 2009.

In Film

In the 1965 film The Agony and the Ecstasy, Charlton Heston portrays Michelangelo. The story tells the story of the painting of the Sistine Chapel.

Michelangelo: A Film presented by the BBC is a documentary discussing his drawings, artistic development, life, religions and inner torments.

Michelangelo And The Sistine Chapel a documentary discussing the paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and how they were inspired by Michelangelo.

Michelangelo: Self-Portrait a documentary painting a portrait of the artist.

The Titan: Story of Michelangelo discusses the works of the artist in the context of the historical background of his time.

In Theater

Michelangelo Drawing Blood is a musical theater production which examines the forces behind his genius, including an obsession with anatomy, interest in the male body and his Christian faith.

In Poetry

Michelangelo is referenced in the poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Elliot.

In Science

The Michelangelo Hand is a sophisticated myoelectric prosthetic, named after the great Renaissance artist. The prosthetic uses electrodes to gather signals in the wearer's muscles and then signals a processor in the hand to move accordingly.