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Reader from Chapel Hill, NC, 5-Star rating Vasari was a life-long correspondent of Michelangelo,
a contemporary of Leonardo, etc., so the accounts are written about
his friends and competitors, not 100+ years later, thru the prism of
time. Yet this translation is in readable, 20th Century English. The
chapters on Brunelleschi, Donato, etc. are lively, entertaining as
well as instructive.
Ascanio Condivi / Paperback / 2nd edition 1999 Reader from Nebraska, 5-Star rating Condivi's account of the life of Michelangelo
Buonarroti is a wonderful resource for fascinating stories on the
artist as well as an insight into the artist himself. It is
important to realize that Condivi was an apprentice to Michelangelo
and that he wrote this biography while Michelangelo was still
alive. The book shows the interaction between Michelangelo and
his patrons - Lorenzo d' Medici, Pope Julius II, Soderini - and
countless other fascinating people. After reading Michelangelo's
letters, this should be one of the first sources cited to get a feel
for the artist as, not only an artist, but a person.
Synopsis As the writer and editor of the
Michelangelo Buonarroti website, I must confess this book to be the most
readable, interesting account of the master's life. Ross King has produced
an outstanding book that is a real page turner. He expertly develops the
major characters in Michelangelo's life during the time of the painting of
the Sistine Chapel ceiling from 1508 - 1512. The book certainly reads like
a novel, yet the scholarship is superb. King's research has dispelled some
of the long held beliefs about the artist and his work. For example,
Michelangelo worked with a team of assistants to complete the work of the
Sistine Chapel ceiling. Based on King's research, I must make some changes
to this website to reflect this new information. This is a must read for anyone interested in the
history of these places, men and the Renaissance.
George Anthony Bull, George Bull / Hardcover / Published 1997
Synopsis Based on established writings, as well as on more recent research, a
comprehensive new biography of the Renaissance master draws a complete picture of the life
and works of Michelangelo Buonarroti, including detailed portraits of his many
relationships with friends, family, and employers.
Irving Stone / Mass Market Paperback / Published 1996
Reader from Lemoore, CA: 5 Stars I'm not someone who reads much historical fiction, nor do I take much
interest in painting and sculpting, but this book overcame all my disinterests and swept
me along in the creative process of the genius, Michelangelo. Stone has written an
outstanding book, based on extensive research, that really makes history come to life.
Pictures of Michelangelo's creations would have been a nice added bonus, but the text
itself stimulates our imaginations and carries us into the world Michelangelo inhabited.
Wonderful reading.
Three
Worlds of Michelangelo
James H. Beck, Michelangelo Buonarroti / Hardcover / Published 1999 Art historian James Beck helps unlock the mystery of
Michelangelo by opening the doors of the three very different worlds to
which he belonged.
Criegton Gilbert, Creighton Gilbert / Paperback / Published 1980
For anyone interested in the full life of
Michelangelo this is a must read. The editor is quite helpful without
being overbearing in his attempt to put the material into a context. There
is a short but very nice biography at the beginning which helps the reader
understand the flow of the artist's life. The selection of his personal
letters helps us see Michelangelo as a person, a person with substantial
family and business difficulties which constantly tried to divert his
attention. His poetry is delightful and revealing. A valuable text for
anyone interested in his life, art, or era.
The
House of Medici : Its Rise and Fall
Christopher Hibbert / Paperback/ Published 1999 I read this book when I was writing my dissertation
around the subject. It was a pleasant surprise after reading so many dry
text books – it read like a story. The carnivals, artists and daily
trials of Renaissance Florence are vividly portrayed in this book. A
detailed history and a fascinating look into one of the riches eras of
Italian history.
Pierluigi De Vecchi, Gianluigi Colalucci / Hardcover / Published 1997
Art and Architecture Editor's Recommended Book, 05/01/97: The restoration of Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes in the Vatican's
Sistine Chapel stirred up much controversy and debate among scholars, art historians, and
art lovers alike. Originally painted in the late 15th century, it took restorers 14
painstaking years (from 1981 to 1995) to remove the centuries' worth of dust and decay
that had obscured the frescoes' brilliant colors and intricate designs. In 250 gorgeous
full-color photographs, this unique and beautiful volume presents Michelangelo's restored
chapel--perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Renaissance art--in its entirety, from the
Creation to the Last Judgment, both before and after cleaning. The only definitive study
of the restoration process, this book is the next best thing to actually being there.
Loren Partridge / Hardcover / Published 1996 Synopsis: Michelangelo's frescoes on the Vatican's Sistine Chapel ceiling are
arguably one of the greatest masterpieces of western art. The text and color images in
this volume together explore central themes concerning this extraordinary fresco style,
bringing information into focus for the general reader and for the tens of thousands of
people who visit this masterpiece yearly. 36 color plates.
Carlo Pietrangeli (Editor), et al / Hardcover / Published 1994 Synopsis: Michelangelo's creation of the monumental frescos in the Sistine Chapel
marked a revolutionary event in Western art. Now, another revolutionary event has
occurred: a nine-year restoration, carried out by experts at the Vatican Museums and
described and illustrated in this incredible work. 312 illustrations, 293 in full color;
gatefold.
Jen Green / Paperback / Published 1994 Reading Level: Ages 9-12 Synopsis: Firstly, I was thoroughly impressed by the
quality of this little book. The layout of the pages, the quality of the
paper, everything. I'm glad to report that the content matches its
presentation: Very clean, clear text featuring an unbiased look at
Michelangelo's life. The book often cites former biographers
(specifically Vasari and Condivi) and more often than not, it tries to
find the right history. Very good illustrations of his more famous
artwork as well as some drawings. Excellent!
Richard McLanathan / Hardcover / Published 1993 Reading Level: Young Adult Synopsis: The latest First Impressions volume is the first complete biography of
the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo written especially for young readers. The
dramatic story of Michelangelo's rise to fame and influence and his struggles to complete
huge and important commissions like the Sistine Ceiling are told in vivid detail. Full
color.
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The
Prophet Joel detail, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
(130K download)
The
Delphic Sibyl detail, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
(132K download)
The
Cumaean Sibyl detail, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
(123K download)
The
Eyrthraean Sibyl detail, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
(99K download)
The
Libyan Sibyl detail, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
(129K download)
Prophets
& Sibyls details, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
(167K download)
Drawings
& Sketches composite image of several drawings including the master's
signature.