Michelangelo

Renaissance man in extremis, Michelangelo, in pursuit of the beautiful and sublime. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, an Italian-born artist (1475-1564), remains one of the most revered figures of the Renaissance era, known for his profound talent and deep spirituality. His work in painting, sculpture, architecture, poetry, and engineering has significantly shaped art history, merging the physical, the spiritual, and the divine into visionary masterpieces. Renowned biographer Giorgio Vasari considered Michelangelo the epitome of Renaissance artistry, while his contemporaries referred to him simply as Il Divino, meaning "the divine one."This book serves as an essential guide to Michelangelo's life and works, offering a comprehensive look at his awe-inspiring masterpieces without the need to navigate throngs of admirers. Through vivid illustrations and accessible narratives, the book delves into his extraordinary depiction of the human form and his signature style of terribilita, characterized by a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur. This unique approach allowed him to portray human and biblical stories with remarkable impact and intensity.Traveling through the power centers of Renaissance Italy, the book examines Michelangelo's significant commissions and his remarkable ability to devise complex compositions. Highlights include the renowned Medici library in Florence and the magnificent 500-square-meter ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, completed between 1508 and 1512. From the imposing statue of David to the poignant expressions of sorrow and faith found in The Pieta, and the vibrant drama of the Sistine Chapel's Last Judgment, this book is a concise, reliable reference to one of the great masters of art history and some of the world's most iconic artworks.