Michelangelo

by Kirsten Bradbury, Lucinda Hawksley (Introduction)

Michelangelo was recognized as a great artist early in his long and prolific career. Together with a small band of his contemporaries, he was responsible for sixteenth-century Florence becoming the center for a movement of artists that has permanently enriched western culture. "Michelangelo" looks at all aspects of his work, with detailed commentary on 120 examples of his pieces. While many of these are among his most famous, others may be less known, but they are all equally essential to the development of Michelangelo's artistic philosophy.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Art History, Biography, Reference, Collections

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Vivek Raghavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelangelo by Kirsten Bradbury - 4/5!

Michelangelo (1475-1564) was without doubt, one of the most inspirational and leading lights of the Italian Renaissance (along with Raphael and Leonardo Da Vinci). Not only was he a magnificent sculptor, he was also a painter, poet, architect and draughtsman. His extraordinary talents shone brightly in works like Pietà (Sculpture), Statue of David (Sculpture), Sistine Chapel ceiling (Fresco) and the Creation of Adam (Fresco).

This visual book skilfully puts together all the works of Michelangelo with a detailing of the story behind it, lesser known facts, its commissioning and much more. Each work (sculpture, fresco, painting, technical plan for a facade/chapel/stairs) has a dedicated pictorial spread and the famous works having 3-4 sections surrounding the history of the work.

With a lot of personal insight from Michelangelo’s side, the works really come alive and I found myself appreciating the works in a new light. To my liking, I had visited many of these works during my trip to Italy and I carry a smidgeon of regret of not having deep dived into the history then.

I would have loved it if the book had more content, volume-wise, and probably the current location of the works. Nonetheless, getting a hard bound copy at a throw away price was gratifying (second hand book store in Koramangala).

All in all, a beautiful pocket-size referencer to one of the greatest sculptor’s works with quality information. History lovers, it’s a keeper!

[Joann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good overview of the works.

[Cristian de Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miguel Ángel se convirtió en pintor para poder expresar en un medio más maleable lo que su alma de titán sentía, lo que su imaginación de escultor veía, pero que la escultura le negaba.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book second hand at Barter Books (Alnwick), and I don't regret it in the slightest!
This book brilliantly put together to show each piece of artwork created by one of the masters of the arts: Michelangelo.
Each art form has at least one spread dedicated to the history and background of the piece. With the the more larger and detailed art forms having three or four sections surrounding the history of the painting/sculpture.
Each description comes with a personal insight into the life of Michelangelo. This, I think, makes us connect more with this brilliant artist.
Also, it looks lovely next to my "Essential Pre-Raphaelites" book, which is part of the same collection. I'm keeping my eye out for more...

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book containing a collection of Michelangelo's works. There is extensive amount of detail given to describing the paintings in each section of the Sistene Chapel's ceiling.

[Robert Bussie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief information about artist Michelango and some of his art work with nice photos of the art work.

[Victor Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a comprehensive details of each peace of art from the great Michaelangelo.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely one of the go-to sources for a great Michelangelo primer.

[Braylen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read on one of the greatest minds and talents of the Renaissance.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very small book, but a great reference on the basic works of Michelangelo. High quality pictures and great information.