What was a major source of support for Michelangelo during the Renaissance?

Michelangelo's relationship with the Medici family was pivotal during his career in the Renaissance. The Medici were powerful patrons of the arts and sought to promote culture and art in Florence, heavily investing in artists who would contribute to their legacy and the beauty of the city. Michelangelo first gained recognition while working under the patronage of Lorenzo de' Medici, known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent." This relationship provided him with financial support, access to influential circles, and opportunities to create significant works, including sculptures and frescoes that would define his career.

The influence and backing of the Medici not only helped Michelangelo to thrive as an artist but also positioned him within the vibrant intellectual and cultural milieu of the Renaissance, enabling him to collaborate and innovate in ways that shaped Western art.