Discount Shopping Online :: Books Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling : :

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
by: Ross King

List Price: $16.00

Amazon.com's Price: $10.88

You Save: $5.12 (32%)
Prices subject to change.

Used Price: $0.28
Collectible Price: $16.00
Third Party New Price: $2.69

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 759.5
EAN: 9780142003695
ISBN: 0142003697
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 384
Publication Date: November 25, 2003
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Release Date: November 25, 2003
Sales Rank: 40128
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)

Related Items:

Editorial Review:

Product Description:
In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel. With little experience as a painter (though famed for his sculpture David), Michelangelo was reluctant to begin the massive project.

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling recounts the four extraordinary years Michelangelo spent laboring over the vast ceiling while the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. Battling against ill health, financial difficulties, domestic problems, the pope's impatience, and a bitter rivalry with the brilliant young painter Raphael, Michelangelo created scenes so beautiful that they are considered one of the greatest masterpieces of all time. A panorama of illustrious figures converged around the creation of this great work-from the great Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus to the young Martin Luther-and Ross King skillfully weaves them through his compelling historical narrative, offering uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history.

Amazon.com Review:
Almost 500 years after Michelangelo Buonarroti frescoed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the site still attracts throngs of visitors and is considered one of the artistic masterpieces of the world. Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling unveils the story behind the art's making, a story rife with all the drama of a modern-day soap opera.

The temperament of the day was dictated by the politics of the papal court, a corrupt and powerful office steeped in controversy; Pope Julius II even had a nickname, 'Il Papa Terrible,' to prove it. Along with his violent outbursts and warmongering, Pope Julius II took upon himself to restore the Sistine Chapel and pretty much intimidated Michelangelo into painting the ceiling even though the artist considered himself primarily a sculptor and was particularly unfamiliar with the temperamental art of fresco. Along with technical difficulties, personality conflicts, and money troubles, Michelangelo was plagued by health problems and competition in the form of the dashing and talented young painter Raphael.

Author Ross King offers an in-depth analysis of the complex historical background that led to the magnificence that is the Sistine Chapel ceiling along with detailed discussion of some of the ceiling’s panels. King provides fabulous tidbits of information and weaves together a fascinating historical tale. --J.P. Cohen

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating:

- Completely readable
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Many of the stories are things I have heard before, but woven seemlessly into an insightful narrative. King's assessment of Michelangelo's ceiling and its radical importance in pictorial history is correct in its context and amplitude; my knowledge thereby enhanced. However, I found the author's unflappable and professional approach a bit disturbing; as though he personally missed out on an epiphany. I am also not a fan of the restoration, to say the least. However, I enjoyed both receiving and giving this book as a gift.

Rating:

- You can't make this stuff up!
More than the story of the tumultuous relationship between Michelangelo and Pope Julius II, this well documented offering from Ross King breathes life into a period in history that was populated by the great artists, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Raphael, etc. and some of the most bizarre characters in church history. Mystery, intrigue, sex, betrayal, deceit..... all the makings of a great page turning novel. But, this is fact not fiction. Art history buffs, I think, will love the stories "behind the canvas" and "outside the frame". History buffs will appreciate the way the threads of the church, the politics, the art and the artists come together in a fascinating tapestry. If you enjoy it, try the Judgment of Paris or Bruneleschi's Dome by the same author.

Rating:

- Great background material
We saw the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican and I wanted to know more about the person and the era that it was created. This book helped fill in the gaps of my knowledge.

Rating:

- As good as it gets.
This is one of the finest historical books I have read. It is well researched and insightful, as well as occasionally funny. King has an amazing way of bringing historical figures to life and placing them in context. I read it as I travelled Italy and finished as we visited the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Perhaps that brought it to life more for me. I recommend this book to anyone who is even mildly interested in Michelangelo or art. It is a great read.

Discount Shopping Online Books and Publications

Books : Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Search the web for info about Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

Discount Shopping Online Books and Publications

Books : Michelangelo and the Pope's CeilingBooks and Publications Average Rating:

Search the web for info about Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

Books : Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
Books and Publications Average Rating: