Scan barcode
karinlib's review against another edition
4.0
This year my goal is to read a book set in each country of the world. I find myself reading books that have been languishing in my physical library (as well as my ebook library) for a long time, which is a good thing. To my delight, I am loving this journey of finding new authors. For me a book is a good one when it points me to other books and more in-depth research. Michaelangelo and Pope's Ceiling is one of them. I had seen the Sistine Chapel, as well as the Pieta years ago during a trip to Rome. While I was reading this book I kept a picture of the Sistine Chapel up on the computer so I could "follow along" with Ross King and his descriptions.
This book did a wonderful job of describing Michaelangelo's work, dispelling some of the myths that have accumulated because of Irving Stone's the Agony and the Ecstasy. Aside from the Sistine Chapel, King discusses Raphael, who was frescoing the Pope's library at the same time. Most importantly of all he describes the history and its important players during the years Michaelangelo worked on his masterpiece.
One fact that I forgotten about Michaelangelo was that he never thought of himself as a painter and he had very little experience in fresco.
If you like Art History and the Renaissance, this a good book to read.
This book did a wonderful job of describing Michaelangelo's work, dispelling some of the myths that have accumulated because of Irving Stone's the Agony and the Ecstasy. Aside from the Sistine Chapel, King discusses Raphael, who was frescoing the Pope's library at the same time. Most importantly of all he describes the history and its important players during the years Michaelangelo worked on his masterpiece.
One fact that I forgotten about Michaelangelo was that he never thought of himself as a painter and he had very little experience in fresco.
If you like Art History and the Renaissance, this a good book to read.
ipanzica's review against another edition
4.0
This book tells the story of Michelangelo painting Pope Julius's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel while recapping all the drama happening at the time. There is so much drama, history, famous figures, scandals, and interesting facts are in this book, that at times it feels like it overshadows the drama between Michelangelo and Pope Julius. For example, Michelangelo throwing a piece of the scapple at Pope Julius was glossed over in a chapter that focused mainly on Michelangelo's and Raphael's relationship/opinions on each other.
This book also referenced so much art and literature that I am excited to look into. For example, did you know that Michelangelo wrote poetry? When I finished this book, it didn't feel like I was finishing a story, instead, it felt like I was introduced to many different topics that I could choose to continue following.
This book also referenced so much art and literature that I am excited to look into. For example, did you know that Michelangelo wrote poetry? When I finished this book, it didn't feel like I was finishing a story, instead, it felt like I was introduced to many different topics that I could choose to continue following.
cjax1694's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Hates work, always begging for more money, willing to fully run away from responsibilities over the smallest slight…Michelangelo, girlie, you’re so valid.
vermithraxrose's review against another edition
4.0
Ah Michelangelo, perfect image of a tortured artist. This book did a great job covering his character and life, as well as all the drama and mystery surrounding the creation of the Sistine Chapel. Great book and not as boring as a textbook!
lexy's review against another edition
3.0
I do respect a person who literally hates everyone and everything.
jennutley's review against another edition
4.0
This one is aptly named. It's about Michelangelo, and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and Pope Julius II (with a little Raphael thrown in for good measure). It's as much about the history of the times as it is about how to create frescos, source pigments, foreshorten figures, or write scathing letters to your family. I feel edified and enlightened though I'll probably need to read it again before going back to Rome to visit. And I'd love to find a similar book about other works in the Vatican Museums.
My one critique would be the lack of illustrations throughout and a really dismal set of color plates in the middle that are too small, leave out aspects discussed in the text, and just aren't enough to accompany the narrative. I had to read with my iPad handy to illustrate the details and the other works of art and architecture mentioned. Even black and white illustrations throughout the text would have been less disappointing.
Thanks Michelle!
My one critique would be the lack of illustrations throughout and a really dismal set of color plates in the middle that are too small, leave out aspects discussed in the text, and just aren't enough to accompany the narrative. I had to read with my iPad handy to illustrate the details and the other works of art and architecture mentioned. Even black and white illustrations throughout the text would have been less disappointing.
Thanks Michelle!
jhouses's review against another edition
3.0
Pues lo que pretendía ser un audiolibro aburrido para apañar unas buenas siestas, resultó ser un libro interesantísimo que me ha tenido atrapado hasta el último párrafo. Una descripción cuidadosa de la increíble tarea de Miguel Angel en el techo de la capilla Sixtina que se desborda y nos muestra la vida y el pensamiento del propio Miguel Ángel y su familia, la situación política en italia y las campañas de Julio II, la obra de Rafael en las estancias papales así como un panorama general del Renacimiento. Una gozada.
solaana's review against another edition
4.0
I read this after I went and had the worst experience in the Sistine Chapel not involving assault. It made me pretty sad that I'd breezed through there so quickly, so hey, gotta see it again.