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Michelangelo: A Biography
Much has been written about the paintings and sculptures of Michelangelo, arguably the greatest artist of the Renaissance. But what about the man? In this revealing look at the Florentine genius, acclaimed author George Bull traces the life and spiritual quest of Michelangelo, drawing a fuller portrait of the man himself. In all his work, Michelangelo impressed his contemporaries as a forceful personality, a divine genius endowed with terrabilita , or intense emotional power. Often portrayed as a solitary and austere figure, he in fact enjoyed a wide range of friendships. And it is those whom he loved and hated, served or resisted, who are presented here-- from his family and fellow artists to the popes, nobles, and rulers of Europe. George Bull presents the life of Michelangelo in the round, bringing before the reader a towering genius whose versatility and originality are constantly being rediscovered.
528 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 1996
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About the author
George Bull
78 books3 followersBull was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1981 and a Vice-President of the British-Italian Society in 1994.
He was awarded an OBE in 1990. George Bull was made Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory in 1999, and was awarded the order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold rays with Neck Ribbon (Japan) in 1999.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He was awarded an OBE in 1990. George Bull was made Knight Commander of the Order of St Gregory in 1999, and was awarded the order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold rays with Neck Ribbon (Japan) in 1999.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 5, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
The sculpture Pieta launched Michelangelo Buonarroti on a long, tempestuous career buffeted by his genius and the tangled political fortunes of his patrons, the Medici and the papacy.
Thecauthor, a translator of Italian Renaissance classics,including Michelangelo's letters, presents a workmanlike life for modern readers.
He expressly avoids art history, as such, and instead describes the context of Michelangelo's creations, their commissioning, the vicissitudes of work, and the sporadic warfare that racked his native Florence and once threatened his life.
Other elements the author highlights, aided by the artist's correspondence, are the up-and-down relations within the Buonarroti family, which reflect Michelangelo's intense passions and sensitivity to affront, though, , he would not long hold grudges.
Observations such as these lend this biography its completeness and vivacity; why Michelangelo's paintings and sculptures seem on the verge of becoming sensuously alive develops well this narrative of how intense Michelangelo himself was, quavering before mortality yet exultant in glorifying mortal flesh.
I spent a week in Florence and we took this book with us. This book added so much to our trip.
I would read this book while sipping coffee and discuss the content with my companion, then we walk to the places it mentions in the book and lement about the stories we had just read/discussed.
We finished the book close to the end of my trip. The book tells how Michelangelo's life ends...a visit to the Santa Maria where he is buried only seemed right.
The sculpture Pieta launched Michelangelo Buonarroti on a long, tempestuous career buffeted by his genius and the tangled political fortunes of his patrons, the Medici and the papacy.
Thecauthor, a translator of Italian Renaissance classics,including Michelangelo's letters, presents a workmanlike life for modern readers.
He expressly avoids art history, as such, and instead describes the context of Michelangelo's creations, their commissioning, the vicissitudes of work, and the sporadic warfare that racked his native Florence and once threatened his life.
Other elements the author highlights, aided by the artist's correspondence, are the up-and-down relations within the Buonarroti family, which reflect Michelangelo's intense passions and sensitivity to affront, though, , he would not long hold grudges.
Observations such as these lend this biography its completeness and vivacity; why Michelangelo's paintings and sculptures seem on the verge of becoming sensuously alive develops well this narrative of how intense Michelangelo himself was, quavering before mortality yet exultant in glorifying mortal flesh.
I spent a week in Florence and we took this book with us. This book added so much to our trip.
I would read this book while sipping coffee and discuss the content with my companion, then we walk to the places it mentions in the book and lement about the stories we had just read/discussed.
We finished the book close to the end of my trip. The book tells how Michelangelo's life ends...a visit to the Santa Maria where he is buried only seemed right.
February 25, 2025
when you think about artist especially renaissance artists , its impossible not to think about the legend Michelangelo. It was a pleasure to be able to learn more about this man that left us his marvelous creations that continue to inspire people around the globe.
Michelangelo was multi-talented artist sculptor, painter and architect. From This book dives down on different aspect of Michelangelos life, artistic achievement, personal struggles, relationship and rivalries. He spent his early years a painter apprentice and later switched on Sculpture. He created His David statue in Florence, the heart of renaissance. One of his first patrons was Lorenzo De Medici which helped him hone his skills as a sculptor. Later on he moved to Rome and became famous there after sculpting the Pieta. He became rivals with Leonardo Da Vinci, though, De Vinci claimed the art of sculpture was below painting. Michelangelo showed his painting skills by painting the Sistine chapel ceiling commissioned by pop Julis II. He also did many Frescos including the creations of Adam. He painted the last Judgement on Sistine chapel altar wall commissioned by pope Clement VII.
He hade difficult relationship with pope Julius II for he made him work on project he didn't want too. He worked long after pope Julis death on his Tomb, that was completed on much smaller scale.
He never married, although he a female friend(Vittoria Colonna)whom he wrote poems to and met sometimes. He lived a long life and dreaded death in his old days, or rather thought too much about it. He was a family man and helped his nephew to marry and arranged his estate and helped him with economics.
Michelangelo was multi-talented artist sculptor, painter and architect. From This book dives down on different aspect of Michelangelos life, artistic achievement, personal struggles, relationship and rivalries. He spent his early years a painter apprentice and later switched on Sculpture. He created His David statue in Florence, the heart of renaissance. One of his first patrons was Lorenzo De Medici which helped him hone his skills as a sculptor. Later on he moved to Rome and became famous there after sculpting the Pieta. He became rivals with Leonardo Da Vinci, though, De Vinci claimed the art of sculpture was below painting. Michelangelo showed his painting skills by painting the Sistine chapel ceiling commissioned by pop Julis II. He also did many Frescos including the creations of Adam. He painted the last Judgement on Sistine chapel altar wall commissioned by pope Clement VII.
He hade difficult relationship with pope Julius II for he made him work on project he didn't want too. He worked long after pope Julis death on his Tomb, that was completed on much smaller scale.
He never married, although he a female friend(Vittoria Colonna)whom he wrote poems to and met sometimes. He lived a long life and dreaded death in his old days, or rather thought too much about it. He was a family man and helped his nephew to marry and arranged his estate and helped him with economics.
May 27, 2024
Took me a longer time than usual for me to finish this-I was also re-reading "Blood and Beauty" by Sarah Dunant at the same time so it was an Italian Renaissance double bill. This is a scholarly academic biography but still despite the length and detail, a compelling read. The enmeshment of the Catholic Church with the flourishing art milieu of 16th-century Italy forms a major part of this, as it did for Michelangelo's own life. The artist is depicted as an occasionally prickly mercurial genius (and the author basically skirts any overt mention of his sexuality which is probably to the good) and the inclusion of large portions of Michaelangelo's own letters gives it an intimacy that keeps the tome from falling into pedantry. A unique look into the life of one of art's most influential figures.
April 9, 2024
Great biography of one of the great artists of all time, I would highly recommend finding a good picture guide to the works as he describes them.
October 3, 2007
everything you ever wanted to know about the artiste himself. Fascinating stuff, full of corrupt popes, political intrigue, and neurotic artists. Still, this author needs to take a page from the Da Vinci Code and make it a little easier to read. Reading this book is kind of like wading through mud, but I'm gonna feel so good once i finish the 600 pages.
May 1, 2017
I feel slightly uncultured by giving this book two stars, but I honestly struggle bussed my way through the whole thing. I've never taken an art history class and since we're going to heart of renaissance art, I figured I'd better know my stuff before attempting to make intelligent observations at art galleries. Other than that, this book is pretty bland.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews