The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti

By John Addington Symonds and John Symonds

Book Overview

"The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti" is a definitive and comprehensive biography of one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. Written by the esteemed scholar John Addington Symonds, this work explores the life and legacy of the man who defined the Italian Renaissance through his mastery of sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry. Symonds provides a detailed examination of Michelangelo's most iconic creations, from the breathtaking "David" and the emotive "Piet " to the monumental frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and the architectural grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica.

Drawing extensively on Michelangelo's personal correspondence, contracts, and contemporary accounts, Symonds moves beyond mere art criticism to reveal the complex man behind the masterpieces. The biography captures his intense devotion to his craft, his spiritual anxieties, and his navigate through the shifting political landscapes of 16th-century Italy under the patronage of the Medici and various Popes. This work is not only a study of a singular genius but also a rich portrait of the cultural and social environment that allowed his talents to flourish. "The Life of Michelangelo Buonarroti" remains an essential text for understanding the intersection of personal struggle and artistic transcendence.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025805984
• ISBN13: 9781025805986
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 564 Pages
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding biograpphy !

Miguel Angel is to say in Carlyle words , the Hero made Artist . If we had more individualities with his courage , the symphony of the civilization would be more glorious . If we persisted in search of the affinities of such artist we would find them in Beethoven . If not go and listen the last quartets of Beethoven (Op. 130 and 132, for instance) and proceed to watch the last works of Miguelangelo . You will not find another music more appropriate which illuminates with so fevered state, intriguing pathos and dark clouds mood . He, as the legitimate son of the ancient Greeks lived in the right time and in the right place Florence to show the world the Renaissance not only was the most important artistic movement of the mankind story but it was more than necessary a figure of his stature appeared in the middle of this land . He belonged to the lineage of the deep characters , violents , greatful , that strengthens and fight passionately. Miguel Angel was the timeless inspiration to many other thinkers , writers and artists such as William Blake, Goethe, Beethoven , Liszt, Mendelssohn, Lord Byron , Carlyle and Fürtwangler, among others and even his legacy seems to have not any kind of restrictions. The author makes a careful study and explores dilatory every stage of his complex life with magnificent illustrations and broad gusto that it represents an exquisite refinement exercise for the intellect and mind to read this fundamental biography The description of the Sistine Chapel is simply a imagination triumph and the highest and supreme good taste . Terrific recommendable.