Michelangelo designed tombs for the powerful Medici family in Florence. In 1975, restoration work on the Medici Chapels uncovered an underground room that had some graffiti hidden underneath two players of plaster. It turned out to be sketches by none other than Michelangelo himself, studies for later works of art! But why were they drawn on walls in an underground chamber?
In 1530, Pope Clement VII, who was a Medici himself, ordered Michelangelo's death. It is believed the artist went into hiding in the chamber underneath the Medici Chapels and stayed there for two months, until the death sentence was rescinded.
Restoration of the chamber and the chapels above has continued for almost 50 years, but finally the chamber will be opened to the public. Beginning on November 15, limited numbers of visitors will be able to see Michelangelo's sketches in person. You can see more of the drawings in the secret chamber at CNN. -via Boing Boing
(Image credit: Francesco Fantani/Courtesy Musei del Bargello)