Final answer:
Michelangelo is renowned for his supreme craftsmanship reflected in masterpieces such as the statue of David, the Pieta, and the design of St. Peter's Basilica, demonstrating his mastery over sculpture and architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, known simply as Michelangelo, made several important creations that have had a lasting impact on the world of art. Among his most important works are the sculpture of David, the Pieta, and his architectural contribution to the Basilica of Saint Peter's in the Vatican. The David, a prime example of High Renaissance sculpture, showcases Michelangelo's skill in portraying the human form with a balance of naturalism and idealism; the graceful and detailed statue radiates a sense of contained power and reflects the Renaissance ideal that man is created in God's image. Another masterpiece, the Pieta, displays Michelangelo's extraordinary ability to bring marble to life, as evident by the lifelike folds of Mary's dress as she cradles the lifeless body of Christ. Lastly, Michelangelo's contributions to the Basilica of Saint Peter's include his use of a symmetrical Greek Cross form and a dynamic exterior that deviates from traditional geometric building corners, showcasing his unique approach to reordering ancient architectural forms.