The Pit - IMI Trust

Michelangelo in his time was considered very wealthy. He made a fortune from his artwork. His genius has transcended his mortal life and his art is now timeless and priceless.

His “Statue of David” is a masterpiece, created out of a single piece of marble which, when it was discovered, was considered one of the most beautiful ever seen. They felt it was so beautiful that they decided to store it for 20 years until the right ‘commission’ and ‘person’ came along that could make this splendid piece of marble into a divine creation.

There were two artists who commissioned for the work… Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. The most revered renaissance artists. Even though Leonardo was on the selection committee for who would create the ‘Statue of David’, Michelangelo got the approval.

Michelangelo delivered to the universe an art piece which will be known and talked about throughout history.

Michelangelo was a shrewd businessman who lived like a pauper. He was known for his filthy stench, which would drench the air, creating a horrible aroma for those who were in his presence. This foul wretched smell, would ensure Michaelangelo would work alone.

In his memoirs, he recounts a story where he wore a pair of hide boots throughout the Venetian Winter, not even taking them off to sleep. When he did take them off finally, he also removed layers of skin which had moulded to the boots.  He did this during his creation of the Sistine Chapel.

It has been said that Gerry Harvey from the Harvey Norman chain of electronic goods stores is known for his frugal way of living, but Michelangelo took being frugal to a new level. 

He wanted to prove that artists could be wealthy. He valued his work very highly and because of this, the wealthy and powerful of the time were willing to pay.

The value he placed on his work is a lesson for us all. Every day we go about our work, but do we ever truly understand the value it has to someone else’s life? Do we ever understand how the work we do can influence the generations which will follow.

Most financial planners and accountants never truely understand the impact and value of their work. Many undercharge for their services because they cannot communicate their value to the marketplace. 

The question to “The Pit” readers is simple… “What is the value of your work and how does it benefit your clients in the long term?”