MICHELANGELO – the maestro, genius, unsurpassed – how the superlatives flow at the mention of his name.

He is, in modern terminology a “world figure”, with his most famous works being instantly named across the globe.

Genius brings its own problems, both to the person concerned and to those around them.

Geniuses are frequently cited as being somewhat intolerant, crotchety and certainly not team players.

Michelangelo was all of these and more.

His ambition was limitless, and his commitment to patrons and sponsors was like a pie-crust.

He was happy indeed to receive money for many a promised project, only to renege, fail to complete, or else to procrastinate, sometimes for years.

He quarrelled and quibbled, thereby annoying those in high places, not a smart policy in the days when patronage was king.

Despite all this personal edginess, he produced a succession of some of the most breathtaking sculptures ever created.

He worked alone, being intolerant of lesser mortals, creating sculptural history throughout his long life.

Many of us go on courses and eagerly embark on projects, start writing, take up painting, becoming creative in many ways.

But – a few weeks later enthusiasm wanes and the magnum opus is relegated to “something for the long winter nights”.

Let us not feel guilty; we now know that even one of the greatest artists ever felt quite free to abandon a project without a qualm.

Doctor Caroline Brooks lucidly showed us the man who was Michelangelo and the glorious works he created, unfinished and, sometimes, even finished.

On Tuesday, December 9 at 2pm in St Francis Church we will be ready to enjoy ourselves as Bertie Pearce talks about the history of magic through art and pictures.

Do join us to be seasonally entertained by this acclaimed speaker and Magic Circle member.

Visit newsarum-dfas.org.uk to find out further information about the group.

For further information about membership telephone 01722 421379.