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The Cistine Chapel
111 page paperback, ISBN 8886921012, 2000 Edizoni Musei Vaticani, beautifully illustrated
Paperback
First published October 1, 1984
About the author
Fabrizio Mancinelli
17 booksFabrizio Mancinelli, (1940 -1994) was an Italian art historian and director of Byzantine, medieval and modern art for the Vatican Museums.
As an expert on the works of Michelangelo, he supervised the cleaning and restoration of biblical scenes in the Sistine chapel. The project took 14 years and was completed in 1993.
Mancinelli staunchly defended the undertaking against claims by some art historians that the newly revealed bright colors violated the somber and subtle work of Michelangelo. Mancinelli also disputed the popular idea that the artist had painted the frescoes while lying on his back on scaffolding.
As an expert on the works of Michelangelo, he supervised the cleaning and restoration of biblical scenes in the Sistine chapel. The project took 14 years and was completed in 1993.
Mancinelli staunchly defended the undertaking against claims by some art historians that the newly revealed bright colors violated the somber and subtle work of Michelangelo. Mancinelli also disputed the popular idea that the artist had painted the frescoes while lying on his back on scaffolding.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 16, 2019
This book was designed to be a gift shop purchase. I had the early ticket to the Vatican and can speed read, so I read it in the gift shop before going in. It was a great introduction to what I was about to see. About 50 pages of text and the rest are images of the amazing art of the Sistine Chapel.
The history that is provided is a great supplement to what the recordings in the museum say. They go in a bit more detail about the great artists that were a part of making the Sistine chapel what it is today. The recorded tour really only talk about Perugino and Michaelangelo.
I think if it had not been for this book, I would not have even known that Botticelli (one of my all time fav artists) is incorporated. It would have been a lot less clear to me who was what when staring at this amazing monument. There are also great insights into what precisely to look into in the amazing work. Although I must say, the recorded thing gives you a lot.
In all reality, nothing - no representation, no book - can ever do justice to the actual Sistine Chapel. But I think going in, you will definitely have an endless sea of questions. So, 4 stars. Glad I'm a speed reader and could polish this off very quickly.
The history that is provided is a great supplement to what the recordings in the museum say. They go in a bit more detail about the great artists that were a part of making the Sistine chapel what it is today. The recorded tour really only talk about Perugino and Michaelangelo.
I think if it had not been for this book, I would not have even known that Botticelli (one of my all time fav artists) is incorporated. It would have been a lot less clear to me who was what when staring at this amazing monument. There are also great insights into what precisely to look into in the amazing work. Although I must say, the recorded thing gives you a lot.
In all reality, nothing - no representation, no book - can ever do justice to the actual Sistine Chapel. But I think going in, you will definitely have an endless sea of questions. So, 4 stars. Glad I'm a speed reader and could polish this off very quickly.
June 26, 2022
A short but detailed book, with close up, full page colour photos of the various parts of the ceiling/paintings and a short section at the back details the cleaning and restoration that was done.
August 18, 2022
Great photos. Not well written.
December 22, 2022
Shared with my grandmother during a visit for her birthday
February 19, 2024
Much more than you’ve ever wanted to know but some beautiful up close photos
July 3, 2016
If you have ever been to the Sistine Chapel and you wonder what it all means and who all those people up there are, this is an excellent guide. Short, to the point. Lots of very good illustrations. I could have read more about the restorations.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews