Run time: 91 mins

One of the most revered figures in Western art, Michelangelo is the focus of the latest entry in Exhibition on Screen’s richly crafted documentary series.

Directed by David Bickerstaff and filmed in partnership with the National Gallery’s major exhibition, Michelangelo: Love and Death traces the extraordinary life and legacy of the Renaissance master. From the towering David to the heartbreak of the Pietà and the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo’s genius is explored across sculpture, painting, architecture and poetry. Through visits to Florence, Rome and the Vatican, the film builds a textured portrait of a complex, deeply passionate artist.

Bringing together expert voices from across the art world, including historians, restorers and contemporary artists, the documentary sheds new light on Michelangelo’s relationships, creative struggles, and his rivalry with da Vinci. Archival material, striking visuals and excerpts from the artist’s own writings deepen the emotional and historical resonance.

As the film prepares to return to cinemas for the 550th anniversary of his birth, it offers more than admiration. It invites us to rediscover a man whose every creation still speaks, centuries on, with astonishing power and human intensity