Michelangelo was born in Caprese, Italy on March 6, 1475. His family was politically important as his family owned large land holdings. His father was a banker and hoped his son would go into business. As a young boy, he had ambitions to become a sculptor, but his father discouraged him greatly. He wanted his son to live up to the family name and take over his father's businesses. Michelangelo befriended Francesco Granacci, who introduced him to Domenico Ghirlandio (biography.com). Michelangelo and his father argued until they made him study with Ghirlandaio at the age of thirteen. Ghirlandaio watched Michelangelo work and recognized his talent for this art and recommended him as an apprentice in the Medici family palace workshop after only a year in the workshop. The Medici were very wealthy, making the most beautiful fabrics. Lorenzo, who was one of the most famous of the family, had a gentle side towards art and is credited with helping the Italian Renaissance become an era of illustrious art and sculpture. HAS ...