February 18, 1546 - Martin Luther Dies

Martin Luther and Michelangelo both died on February 18 (Luther in 1546 and Michelangelo in 1564). These two had an interesting connection: the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica was the catalyst for Luther’s questioning of papal authority and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, while Michelangelo painted this same cathedral and was therefore a large benefactor of papal authority.