Final answer:
Based on the provided options and known works, the masterpiece in question was created by Michelangelo, renowned for his statue of David, making the correct answer Option 1: Michelangelo.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which artist created the masterpiece mentioned in the question, we need to consider the works of the artists listed. Michelangelo, a 16th-century artist known as il divino, or 'the divine one', is renowned for his sculptures and paintings, including the David, the Last Judgment, and contributions to the Basilica of Saint Peter's in the Vatican. His work on the David, a symbol of Florentine freedom, illustrates his extraordinary technical skill and artistic vision. Contrary to earlier representations by Donatello and Verrocchio, Michelangelo's David is not shown victorious over Goliath but rather prepared for combat. The statue is celebrated for its intricate detailing and the use of the contrapposto pose, adding a sense of realism to the work.
By contrast, Lorenzo Ghiberti is known for his creation of the bronze doors for the Florence baptistery, famously referred to by Michelangelo as 'the Gates of Paradise'. These doors feature a series of panels that depict various biblical scenes and are characteristic of Ghiberti's work. On the other hand, Filippo Brunelleschi was a notable architect and sculptor whose work includes the dome of the Florence Cathedral. Donatello was an important early Renaissance sculptor known for his own version of David.
Given the information provided and the options listed, the masterpiece referred to as created by Michelangelo would likely be the statue of David. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is Option 1: Michelangelo.