The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti By: John Addington Symonds (1840-1893)
The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti by John Addington Symonds is a captivating and comprehensive biography that offers readers a deep dive into the extraordinary life of one of the greatest artists of all time. Symonds skillfully paints a vivid portrait of Michelangelo's life, capturing both the personal and professional struggles the artist faced throughout his career. From his early years as an apprentice in Florence to his later success in Rome, the author leaves no stone unturned in recounting the many triumphs and setbacks of Michelangelo's journey. One of the notable strengths of Symonds' biography is his ability to contextualize Michelangelo's work within the broader cultural and historical landscape of Renaissance Italy. By providing insight into the political and social climate of the time, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the impact Michelangelo's art had on society. Symonds also delves into the personal life of Michelangelo, exploring his relationships with family, friends, and fellow artists. By analyzing the artist's correspondence and documenting his interactions with patrons, the author allows readers to glimpse into the mind of Michelangelo, revealing the motivations and inspirations that fueled his creative genius. Furthermore, Symonds' writing style is both engaging and approachable, making the biography accessible to a wide range of readers. While the book is rich in historical detail, it never becomes overwhelming or dry, thanks to Symonds' ability to seamlessly weave together facts, anecdotes, and analysis. However, one minor drawback of the biography is that at times, it may feel slightly biased towards Michelangelo, portraying him as a near-perfect figure. While the author acknowledges some of the artist's complexities and flaws, a more balanced exploration of his character could have provided a more nuanced and realistic portrait. Overall, The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti by John Addington Symonds is an engrossing and insightful biography that brings to life the fascinating story of an artistic genius. Whether one is an art enthusiast or a history buff, this book offers a captivating journey into the world of Renaissance Italy and the indelible mark Michelangelo left on the art world. First Page: THE LIFE OF MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI By JOHN ADDINGTON SYMONDS TO THE CAVALIERE GUIDO BIAGI, DOCTOR IN LETTERS, PREFECT OF THE MEDICEO LAURENTIAN LIBRARY, ETC., ETC. I DEDICATE THIS WORK ON MICHELANGELO IN RESPECT FOR HIS SCHOLARSHIP AND LEARNING ADMIRATION OF HIS TUSCAN STYLE AND GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HIS GENEROUS ASSISTANCE CONTENTS CHAPTER I. BIRTH, BOYHOOD, YOUTH AT FLORENCE, DOWN TO LORENZO DE' MEDICI'S DEATH. 1475 1492. II. FIRST VISITS TO BOLOGNA AND ROME THE MADONNA DELLA FEBBRE AND OTHER WORKS IN MARBLE. 1492 1501. III. RESIDENCE IN FLORENCE THE DAVID. 1501 1505. IV. JULIUS II. CALLS MICHELANGELO TO ROME PROJECT FOR THE POPE'S TOMB THE REBUILDING OF S. PETER'S FLIGHT FROM ROME CARTOON FOR THE BATTLE OF PISA. 1505, 1506. V. SECOND VISIT TO BOLOGNA THE BRONZE STATUE OF JULIUS II PAINTING OF THE SISTINE VAULT. 1506 1512. VI. ON MICHELANGELO AS DRAUGHTSMAN, PAINTER, SCULPTOR. VII. LEO X. PLANS FOR THE CHURCH OF S. LORENZO AT FLORENCE MICHELANGELO'S LIFE AT CARRARA. 1513 1521. VIII. ADRIAN VI AND CLEMENT VII THE SACRISTY AND LIBRARY OF S. LORENZO. 1521 1526. IX. SACK OF ROME AND SIEGE OF FLORENCE MICHELANGELO'S FLIGHT TO VENICE HIS RELATIONS TO THE MEDICI. 1527 1534. X... Continue reading book >>

The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti By: John Addington Symonds (1840-1893)

The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti by John Addington Symonds is a captivating and comprehensive biography that offers readers a deep dive into the extraordinary life of one of the greatest artists of all time.

Symonds skillfully paints a vivid portrait of Michelangelo's life, capturing both the personal and professional struggles the artist faced throughout his career. From his early years as an apprentice in Florence to his later success in Rome, the author leaves no stone unturned in recounting the many triumphs and setbacks of Michelangelo's journey.

One of the notable strengths of Symonds' biography is his ability to contextualize Michelangelo's work within the broader cultural and historical landscape of Renaissance Italy. By providing insight into the political and social climate of the time, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the impact Michelangelo's art had on society.

Symonds also delves into the personal life of Michelangelo, exploring his relationships with family, friends, and fellow artists. By analyzing the artist's correspondence and documenting his interactions with patrons, the author allows readers to glimpse into the mind of Michelangelo, revealing the motivations and inspirations that fueled his creative genius.

Furthermore, Symonds' writing style is both engaging and approachable, making the biography accessible to a wide range of readers. While the book is rich in historical detail, it never becomes overwhelming or dry, thanks to Symonds' ability to seamlessly weave together facts, anecdotes, and analysis.

However, one minor drawback of the biography is that at times, it may feel slightly biased towards Michelangelo, portraying him as a near-perfect figure. While the author acknowledges some of the artist's complexities and flaws, a more balanced exploration of his character could have provided a more nuanced and realistic portrait.

Overall, The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti by John Addington Symonds is an engrossing and insightful biography that brings to life the fascinating story of an artistic genius. Whether one is an art enthusiast or a history buff, this book offers a captivating journey into the world of Renaissance Italy and the indelible mark Michelangelo left on the art world.

First Page:

THE LIFE OF MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI

By JOHN ADDINGTON SYMONDS

TO THE CAVALIERE GUIDO BIAGI, DOCTOR IN LETTERS, PREFECT OF THE MEDICEO LAURENTIAN LIBRARY, ETC., ETC.

I DEDICATE THIS WORK ON MICHELANGELO IN RESPECT FOR HIS SCHOLARSHIP AND LEARNING ADMIRATION OF HIS TUSCAN STYLE AND GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF HIS GENEROUS ASSISTANCE

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I. BIRTH, BOYHOOD, YOUTH AT FLORENCE, DOWN TO LORENZO DE' MEDICI'S DEATH. 1475 1492.

II. FIRST VISITS TO BOLOGNA AND ROME THE MADONNA DELLA FEBBRE AND OTHER WORKS IN MARBLE. 1492 1501.

III. RESIDENCE IN FLORENCE THE DAVID. 1501 1505.

IV. JULIUS II. CALLS MICHELANGELO TO ROME PROJECT FOR THE POPE'S TOMB THE REBUILDING OF S. PETER'S FLIGHT FROM ROME CARTOON FOR THE BATTLE OF PISA. 1505, 1506.

V. SECOND VISIT TO BOLOGNA THE BRONZE STATUE OF JULIUS II PAINTING OF THE SISTINE VAULT. 1506 1512.

VI. ON MICHELANGELO AS DRAUGHTSMAN, PAINTER, SCULPTOR.

VII. LEO X. PLANS FOR THE CHURCH OF S. LORENZO AT FLORENCE MICHELANGELO'S LIFE AT CARRARA. 1513 1521.

VIII. ADRIAN VI AND CLEMENT VII THE SACRISTY AND LIBRARY OF S. LORENZO. 1521 1526.

IX. SACK OF ROME AND SIEGE OF FLORENCE MICHELANGELO'S FLIGHT TO VENICE HIS RELATIONS TO THE MEDICI. 1527 1534.

X... Continue reading book >>

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Art

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