Neo-Platonism had a profound influence on the Renaissance and the artwork of Michelangelo Buonarroti. During the Renaissance, Neo-Platonism enjoyed a revival in popularity. It was not thought of as being in opposition to Christianity. This is clearly seen in the works of Michelangelo.
Lorenzo de Medici was a prominent patron of the arts, and supported Marsilio Ficino and the Neo-Platonist Academy in Florence. It was here that Michelangelo got his early education. Michelangelo's philosophy of art was Neo-Platonic, and represented a departure from other theories of the time. …