Michelangelo's Grocery List
Explore this fascinating grocery list from the Renaissance master Michelangelo Buonarroti. Tap on items to discover what the great artist requested for his meals.
List of Items
Bread (Pani)
Various types of bread requested by the artist
Wine (Vino)
Wine was a staple in Renaissance diets
Fish
Depicted in simple line drawings
Vegetables
Essential components of Italian cuisine
Salad
Fresh greens and vegetables
Plates/Dishes
Various serving vessels for the meals
About This Document
This remarkable document is a grocery list written by Michelangelo, the famous Renaissance artist known for masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David. Unlike his grand artistic works, this humble shopping list offers us a glimpse into his everyday life.
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) was a polymath of the High Renaissance, excelling in sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry. His grocery list, while a mundane document, reflects the everyday life of even the most celebrated artists of the time. The inclusion of illustrations alongside the text highlights the practical challenges of communication in an era when literacy was not widespread.
The list includes simple drawings alongside text because Michelangelo's servant was most likely illiterate. By including small sketches of the items he needed, he ensured that his servant would purchase the correct items at the market.
The list showcases typical Italian Renaissance food items, including breads, wines, and fish, reflecting his diet. This document demonstrates how even the greatest artistic minds dealt with practical everyday matters.
Image source: https://www.casabuonarroti.it/ricerca/archivio/