Seinfeld

SEINFELD BLOG

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

by: Ross King

: Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
See Larger Image
List Price: $16.00
You Pay Only: $10.88
You Save: $5.12 (32%)
Prices subject to change.



Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours




Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 759.5
EAN: 9780142003695
ISBN: 0142003697
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 384
Publication Date: November 25, 2003
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Release Date: November 25, 2003
Sales Rank: 61592
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)



Related Items:

Editorial Review:

Product Description:
In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel. With little experience as a painter (though famed for his sculpture David), Michelangelo was reluctant to begin the massive project.

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling recounts the four extraordinary years Michelangelo spent laboring over the vast ceiling while the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. Battling against ill health, financial difficulties, domestic problems, the pope's impatience, and a bitter rivalry with the brilliant young painter Raphael, Michelangelo created scenes so beautiful that they are considered one of the greatest masterpieces of all time. A panorama of illustrious figures converged around the creation of this great work-from the great Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus to the young Martin Luther-and Ross King skillfully weaves them through his compelling historical narrative, offering uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history.

Amazon.com Review:
Almost 500 years after Michelangelo Buonarroti frescoed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the site still attracts throngs of visitors and is considered one of the artistic masterpieces of the world. Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling unveils the story behind the art's making, a story rife with all the drama of a modern-day soap opera.

The temperament of the day was dictated by the politics of the papal court, a corrupt and powerful office steeped in controversy; Pope Julius II even had a nickname, 'Il Papa Terrible,' to prove it. Along with his violent outbursts and warmongering, Pope Julius II took upon himself to restore the Sistine Chapel and pretty much intimidated Michelangelo into painting the ceiling even though the artist considered himself primarily a sculptor and was particularly unfamiliar with the temperamental art of fresco. Along with technical difficulties, personality conflicts, and money troubles, Michelangelo was plagued by health problems and competition in the form of the dashing and talented young painter Raphael.

Author Ross King offers an in-depth analysis of the complex historical background that led to the magnificence that is the Sistine Chapel ceiling along with detailed discussion of some of the ceiling’s panels. King provides fabulous tidbits of information and weaves together a fascinating historical tale. --J.P. Cohen



Customer Reviews
Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Completely readable
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Many of the stories are things I have heard before, but woven ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - You can't make this stuff up!
More than the story of the tumultuous relationship between Michelangelo and Pope Julius II, this well documented ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Great background material
We saw the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican and I wanted to know more about the person and the era that it was created. ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - As good as it gets.
This is one of the finest historical books I have read. It is well researched and insightful, as well as occasionally ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Do yourself a favor. Read this book.
If you have come this far, you really should go ahead and get this book and read it. Make sure you have some time set ... Read More

More Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling Reviews

Browse for similar items by category:







Copyright ©2003, Mark Carey.