Description
Book Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of Brunelleschi's Dome and Leonardo and the Last Supper, the riveting story of how Michelangelo, against all odds, created the masterpiece that has ever since adorned the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo Buonarroti to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel in Rome. Despite having completed his masterful statue David four years earlier, he had little experience as a painter, even less working in the delicate medium of fresco, and none with challenging curved surfaces such as the Sistine ceiling's vaults. The temperamental Michelangelo was himself reluctant: He stormed away from Rome, incurring Julius's wrath, before he was eventually persuaded to begin.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling recounts the fascinating story of the four extraordinary years he spent laboring over the twelve thousand square feet of the vast ceiling, while war and the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. A panorama of illustrious figures intersected during this time-the brilliant young painter Raphael, with whom Michelangelo formed a rivalry; the fiery preacher Girolamo Savonarola and the great Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus; a youthful Martin Luther, who made his only trip to Rome at this time and was disgusted by the corruption all around him.
Ross King blends these figures into a magnificent tapestry of day-to-day life on the ingenious Sistine scaffolding and outside in the upheaval of early-sixteenth-century Italy, while also offering uncommon insight into the connection between art and history.
Details
Discover the captivating story behind one of the world's most iconic masterpieces. Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling takes you on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous world of Renaissance Italy. Against all odds, Michelangelo Buonarroti, the brilliant sculptor behind the famous statue David, was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel in Rome. With little experience as a painter, Michelangelo embarked on an extraordinary mission that would forever change the course of art history.
Immerse yourself in the riveting tale of Michelangelo's struggle to create a masterpiece on the challenging curved surfaces of the Sistine ceiling. Ross King, acclaimed author of Brunelleschi's Dome and Leonardo and the Last Supper, brings this extraordinary story to life with meticulous detail and impeccable research. With a keen eye for intertwining history and art, King paints a vivid picture of the vibrant world that surrounded Michelangelo during his four-year labor of love.
Experience the clash of powerful personalities that defined the era, from the fiery preacher Girolamo Savonarola to the great Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus. Witness the fierce rivalry between Michelangelo and the brilliant young painter Raphael, as they both strive for artistic supremacy. And immerse yourself in the intricate political landscape of sixteenth-century Italy, where war and personal rivalries shaped the destiny of nations.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and captivate hearts for centuries. Don't miss your chance to delve deep into the captivating world of Renaissance Italy – order your copy now and discover the untold story behind an artistic marvel that has stood the test of time.
Order now and embark on an unforgettable journey with Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling!
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