The adoption of Buonarroti by his brother's children and descendants may therefore be ascribed to usage ensuing from the illustration of their race by so renowned a man.

It should also be observed that at this time Michelangelo is always described in deeds as sculptor, and that he frequently signs with Michelangelo, Scultore.
Later on in life he changed his views.

He wrote in 1548 to his nephew Lionardo: "Tell the priest not to write to me again as _Michelangelo the sculptor_, for I am not known here except as Michelangelo Buonarroti.

Say, too, that if a citizen of Florence wants to have an altar-piece painted, he must find some painter; for I was never either sculptor or painter in the way of one who keeps a shop.

I have always avoided that, for the honour of my father and my brothers.