Final answer:
In art, modeling refers to the technique artists use to create three-dimensional forms. Michelangelo was a master of this technique, especially in sculpture, renowned for bringing marble to life with incredible detail and emotional expression in both his sculptures and paintings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modeling in art is the process used by artists to create a three-dimensional representation of their vision, through either an additive or subtractive process. Michelangelo, known for his extraordinary skill in sculpture, painting, and architecture, was considered a master of modeling. In his sculptures, Michelangelo was renowned for making marble appear like soft flesh and for the detailed and complex folds of drapery, as seen in his masterpiece, the Pieta. His understanding of the human body was so profound due to his studies of cadavers, which allowed him to sculpt figures of remarkable lifelikeness and emotional depth.
His expertise extended beyond sculpture; in painting, the Sistine Chapel ceiling is a testament to his ability to paint the human figure with emotional and spiritual expression, setting new standards in the art world. Vasari praised Michelangelo for excelling in all three arts, additionally citing his innovative approach to architecture. The Renaissance movement fostered this creativity, and Michelangelo's works, like the David, showcase his proficiency with techniques such as foreshortening to create perspective.