Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
by Ross King

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Book Reviews of Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

Book Review: Great background material
Summary: 5 Stars

Summary of Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

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

General Books

• History: Europe: Italy: General
• Arts & Photography: General
• Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Renaissance
• History & Criticism > Regional > European
• Religious
• History > Europe > Italy
• Vatican