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Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling |  | Author: Ross King
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Category: Book
List Price: $17.00
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Seller: betterworldbooks_
Rating:  98 reviews
Sales Rank: 36223
Media: Paperback
Edition: First Paperback Edition
Pages: 384
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6 x 1.2
ISBN: 0142003697
Dewey Decimal Number: 759.5
EAN: 9780142003695
ASIN: 0142003697
Publication Date: November 25, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| • | ISBN13: 9780142003695 | | • | Condition: NEW | | • | Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark. |
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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 Popes 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 ceilings panels. King provides fabulous tidbits of information and weaves together a fascinating historical tale. --J.P. Cohen
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.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 98
 The Most Magnificent Ceiling Mural in the World Just Got More Magnificent! February 8, 2010
Jason A. Martin (Sarasota, FL)
There are many things in the 21st century that we take for granted as an artist. You need paint, you just run down to the local Home Depot, and 5-gallon drums will be produced within a matter of minutes. A new commission may have the most difficult task of having enough room in the back of your truck to ship all your supplies. If you need scaffolding, you simply call up the local rental agency, and they'll deliver it to your location, or perhaps even a battery-powered cherry picker will be available to make going up and down with your high-powered paint sprayer even more convenient.
Such were not the amenities of Michelangelo, which makes everything that Ross King describes to you even more amazing that Michaelangelo pulled this masterpiece off. The political and personal turmoil of the times adds the necessary human drama to a story that easily could have been a play-by-play logistical explanation of fresco-making. Pope Julius II plays the standard overbearing Godfather of Catholicism, perpetually making the artist, Michelangelo, jump through hoops to pay for the artist's overt attitude earlier on with the Pope. The warring regions, passing plagues, and toxic art materials creates the danger of the Rennaisance at that time, as well.
So enjoy an expanded education on one of the most amazing ceilings ever created by Mankind, and be entertained the entire time!
 michelangelo and the rest of the world January 19, 2010
Robert J. Mosey (maine)
nice treatment and history of michangelo and his world at that time i enjoyed all the information and how it was presented.
Written as if one is there! December 29, 2009
Crystal Vaagen (Upper Midwest)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Words cannot describe this incredibly detailed, superiorly written book. I just finished reading it, and I felt admiration and amazement, not only for the writer, Ross King, but for the feats of Michelangelo. If you've never travelled, let alone to see the Sistine Chapel, this book serves as detailed 'tour literature'. Chapter after chapter is filled with historical occurences as one would expect, details of Rosselli chipping away the old fresco to prepare for Michelangelo's masterpiece (dare I say, words cannot even describe the awe of his work-although Ross King does it well) to where Michelangelo bought his paint, and how he managed the design. I was amazed at the little details though (what I enjoy about history). King discusses how the plaster was made (page 84), for example, and the 'chemists' who mixed them. Mostly, one should understand from this reading that the art seen crowning the Sistine Chapel is not the work of one person, but a team. The 'truth' in history can get twisted. That reason alone is why it is important to study it- continually. It should also allow one to engage in an appreciative approach as to why it is so extremely important to preserve historical art. For me, this was the first book I've read from this author, and surely, it will not be my last.
so much to know and so much fun learning December 22, 2009
whj
delightful reading. It sparked interest in art history, and was alot of fun looking up all the art pieces in the internet. Very mixed about the vicious politics out of which all this precious art was produced, and yet thankful that they have been preserved.
Brings Michelangelo back to life! December 10, 2009
Simon Kriticose (New York, NY)
After living down the street from Michelangelo's home in Florence, I sought additional sources for the man's actual life. Many of us learn about him and think of Michelangelo only in his old age, but this book brings to life the young man who was basically forced into creating one of the most impressive artistic masterpieces in the world. The book is easy to read, narrative, and absolutely fascinating. Ross King's attention to details of history and art is very impressive and I feel like I have gotten to know the people he describes in this book.
I was so impressed with this work that I purchased all of the other Ross King books on amazon and I can't wait to read them all!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 98
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