Michelangelo: Life, Letters, and Poetry

by Michelangelo Buonarroti, George Bull (Compiler), Peter Porter (Translator)

Michelangelo was, apart from being a sculptor, architect, and painter of genius, a poet and letter-writer of remarkable accomplishment. George Bull, a distinguished translator of many Italian classics, has brought his skill and experience to bear on translating this new selection of Michelangelo's letters and poetry, as well as the Life, the biography written by Michelangelo's pupil Ascanio Condivi.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Genres: Art, Poetry, Biography, Classics, History, Italian Literature, Italy

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, poet, and engineer of the High Renaissance period who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. Considered as the greatest living artist in his lifetime, he has since been held as one of the greatest artists of all time. Despite making few forays beyond the arts, his versatility in the disciplines he took up was of such a high order that he is often considered a contender for the title of the archetypal Renaissance man, along with his fellow Italian Leonardo da Vinci.

Reviews

[Mark Redman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my recent visit to (Firenze) Florence, where I encountered Michelangelo's David, I felt compelled to delve deeper into the great artist's life through "Michelangelo: Life, Letters, Poetry." The experience of reading his letters was striking, as it allowed me to feel intimately connected to his inner world. I was drawn into his profound humility as he grappled with commissions, enjoyed playful exchanges with peers, and expressed poignant reflections on age and faith.

His poetry further revealed a persistent dialogue with both God and beauty, highlighting themes of human vulnerability and aspiration. What truly resonated with me was how his words mirror the magnificence of his sculpture and paintings. Whether he was pleading for more marble, joking about rivals, or penning a sonnet, his dynamic and bold voice came through vividly. By the end of the book, I felt as though I had shared time with him in his workshop, deeply moved by the incredible mind that created such timeless art.

[Books By Hala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommendation: only read this if you are interested to know more about Michelangelo. I had a major Michelangelo phase after seeing the statue of David and I found this in the official bookshop of Oxford university press so I had to buy it . The book is rated for 3.5 because it describes his life in a very dull old English style of writing, many topics seem to be translated literally from Italian, making the text quite complicated. The letters are actually amusing, Michelangelo writes business letters, resolves financial issues with partners and family members and fights with different people over money and power. Everyday problems of an artist in 1400s! The final part of the book with poetry is also interesting. His writing is actually as enjoyable as his other arts.

[Roisin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small book is a delight. It consists of the artist Michelangelo Buonarroti's biography, letters and poetry. The book features within the texts details about some of his great works revealing how they came about.

The biography is by Asconio Condivi an Italian painter and writer, a pupil of Michelangelo. It is short, but packed with detail about notable works, sometimes done in part with other artists, his difficulties and technical problems. The letters are enlightening, written to notables such as King Francis I of France, Georgio Vasari and Duke Cosimo, discloses some of the problems he encountered as an artist, practical matters, avoiding malicious rumours, his relationship with his family, popes, patrons or supporters. The poems are devine! Just beautiful, inspired by the people that he loved and adored with passion or just what it took to create as an artist.

There is no index, which is a bit annoying, however there are thorough notes, a chronology list and a useful bibliography. A must for students or those with a interest in art.

[Frightful_elk · Rating 3 out of 5]

An illuminating look at the life and works of michelangelo, written during his life time.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectantly affecting.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction and review of Michelangelo's life. It gave me a very different picture than the impression I had had from previous lessons on so-called Renaissance artists.

[Valdemar Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely depiction of a troubled religious man with a victim complex.

[Cesar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miguel Angel Buonarroti (como dato buonarroti significa buenrostro)

Compendio de cartas escritas por el escultor, artista e inventor en los tiempos donde tenia una competencia por encargos de la corte papal con otro referente: Rafael Sanzio.
Tiempos de una vida donde si se estaba lejos la comunicación eran meramente cartas, a través de este conjunto se ordena el tiempo donde podemos tener en cercania un poco mas a Miguel Angel donde podemos leer su caracter, preocupaciones en los infortunios familiares y profesionales por los que se enfrenta, dan una probada de su filosofia artistica y una vision hacia la mente de uno de los artistas del renacimiento.

Creía que el arte debía reflejar la belleza divina y que el escultor tenía la tarea de "liberar" la forma ya presente en el mármol.
Escribe sobre su desprecio por los artistas que buscaban solo el reconocimiento y el dinero en lugar de la grandeza del arte.

Cuando Miguel Angel siente la muerte cerca, se siente arrepentido por haber dedicado tanto tiempo a lo material y tan poco a su salvacion espiritual y siente que el tiempo se le ha acabado.

Apesar de haber sufrido con su familia no cabe duda el amor que le tenia a la misma.

Esta lectura no solo nos acerca al artista, sino también al hombre detrás del mármol. Nos recuerda que cada obra de arte es el reflejo de una vida, de una historia de luchas, obsesiones y sacrificios. Y que la búsqueda de la perfección puede ser tanto una bendición como una carga.

[Ana Bubolea · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening collection of letters, notes, sketches of a great artist that remains to date an inspiration to all. Reading through his own notes you can see immediately the "human" behind all the artworks that we admire today, you can see his love for sculpture, for real beauty and God, as well as his constant resistance to the mundane, to the loss of time, to nonsense.

[Lama · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was poorly written and not engaging at all. The best part was the poems but I’d recommend searching for and reading them in a better translation.

[Dora · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Michelangelo's Life, Letters, and Poetry" is an exploration of one of the Renaissance's most iconic figures. The book delves into the life of Michelangelo, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into his personal world through his letters and poetry. These documents reveal the artist's inner thoughts, struggles, and passions, offering a nuanced perspective on his creative genius.

I was particularly drawn to this book because of my upcoming travels to Bologna and Florence. These cities are integral to Michelangelo's story, and I wanted to enrich my journey with a deeper understanding of his activities and experiences there. Through this book, I sought to immerse myself in Michelangelo's environment and mindset during the periods he spent in these cities, especially as he worked on some of his most extraordinary pieces, like the monumental statue of David, often referred to as the "Giant."

The book portrays Michelangelo's relentless dedication to his art, his complex relationships with patrons, and the immense pressures he faced. His letters are particularly revealing, showing a man who was not only a master artist but also a deeply reflective and, at times, troubled individual. His poetry adds another layer to this understanding, showcasing his skill with words and his ability to convey profound emotions and ideas.

Reading "Michelangelo's Life, Letters, and Poetry" has enhanced my appreciation for his works and provided valuable context for my visits to Bologna and Florence. The book serves as a reminder of the human behind the masterpieces, making my exploration of these historic cities all the more meaningful.