Michelangelo the Florentine

Family-friendly historical novel on one of the best-known Renaissance artists: The year is 1501. Michelangelo has created his Roman pieta, the greatest sculpture in modern times, and yet patrons are not lining up at his door to hire him for more commissions. Reluctantly, he agrees to take on a project for Cardinal Piccolomini - a commission which will try the patience of both patron and artist. Before the year is out, Michelangelo hears the rumors that the Florentine City Fathers are looking for a sculptor to finish the colossal David that had been been begun four decades before. Will they give the task to Michelangelo, or his arch rival, Leonardo the Florentine? And if Michelangelo receives the commission, will he be able to complete the sculpture while keeping his other patrons happy? In 1504, in a move that further complicates Michelangelo's life, the City Fathers hire him to paint the battle fresco scene across from Leonardo's. Will the two men be able to handle working so close together?