Colleen Barry NYC Artist

Michelangelo’s Models

Added 2025-07-17 10:29:42 +0000 UTC

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30890347228

Michelangelo’s Models – Formerly in the Paul von Praun Collection

LeBrooy, Paul James – Published by Creelman & Drummond Publishers, Canada, 1972

During my formative years of training, I became obsessed with studying anatomy. I wanted to internalize the human body so deeply that I wouldn’t have to pause or second-guess myself when drawing a leg or an arm. I wanted to know intuitively which muscle was where, how bones connected, and how form moved through space—so that understanding became an automatic reaction. That’s why I studied anatomy from an artistic point of view. I reiterate: artistic anatomy is for artists.

I did study cadavers, but only minimally, because my interest wasn’t in the scientific details—it was in design. This is where Michelangelo and the Italian Renaissance masters come in; they were true masters of design. For anyone who wants to understand the human form more deeply, I recommend studying anatomy from this design perspective. Don’t worry about memorizing every muscle name or its origin and insertion—focus instead on placement, rhythm, asymmetry, the elegant S-curves, and the internal logic of the body. Internalize that.

One resource that helped me tremendously is the book Michelangelo’s Models – Formerly in the Paul von Praun Collection, written by Paul James LeBrooy and published by Creelman & Drummond in 1972. This volume showcases the exquisite wax and clay anatomical studies Michelangelo created as references for his sculptures. These miniature limbs, torsos, and dynamic figures—crafted with remarkable precision—reflect his profound understanding of structure and movement. Used extensively throughout his career, these models demonstrate how Michelangelo bridged art and science during the Renaissance, combining rigorous anatomical study with artistic mastery.

This practice was part of a larger tradition among Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, who produced detailed anatomical drawings, and others who explored the human body to achieve ideal proportion and form. Michelangelo’s models embody this era’s pursuit of knowledge, serving as both practical tools and works of art in their own right. The book includes stunning photographs and historical insights, making it an invaluable resource for students and professionals seeking to understand the foundations of classical art. I have included a link here to purchase the book although it is way more expensive now than it was 15 years ago, it’s a rare find, a jewel.