Today, society prides itself on its progressive thinking. So many feel that 2021 is the year of the most inclusive mindset to date. It is important, however, that those influential individuals who were ahead of their time, are not forgotten. Michelangelo’s depiction of women, when juxtaposed with other male contemporaries, offers insight into the different ways Michelangelo portrayed women in his pieces. Living in Italy during the late 1400s and early 1500s, Michelangelo often utilized males as his models for his paintings, per the societal norm of the time. This is generally thought to be the reason that Michelangelo's women look different compared to the average woman’s body shape during this time. This artist, however, was not the only one to solely use male models, yet his females were distinctly different from other colleagues. Was Michelangelo focused on painting the person in front of him in a realistic light, or was it his way of respecting women and showcasing the power and importance they can truly hold in society? 

To shine a light on the topic, I compare and contrast works by Michelangelo and Rafael, another Italian Renaissance painter. I also look into the life of Michelangelo and any female influences he may have had. While the two artists are from the same place and era, their art differed from each other greatly. These separate interpretations provide insight into the mind of Michelangelo and his progressive belief system.