Final answer:
Michelangelo crafted in-the-round sculptures by starting with a large marble block, using tools like chisels for carving, and finishing with sanding and polishing to give a lifelike appearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michelangelo, one of the Renaissance's greatest sculptors, used a variety of techniques when creating his in-the-round sculptures. He often began with a large block of marble and employed tools such as mallets and different sizes of chisels to carve out the rough shape and then refine the details of his sculptures. Michelangelo forged many of his own tools and is known for his direct carving method, where he believed he was releasing the inherent human form trapped within the marble block. He would then finish the sculpture by sanding and polishing it to bring out a reflective shine, making his marble sculptures appear lifelike.