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Michelangelo, God's Architect
- The Story of His Final Years and Greatest Masterpiece
- Narrated by: Simon Callow
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
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Michelangelo, God's Architect
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Publisher's Summary
In this audiobook, acclaimed actor Simon Callow narrates the gripping untold story of Michelangelo's final decades - and his transformation into one of the greatest architects of the Italian Renaissance
As he entered his 70s, the great Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo despaired that his productive years were past. Anguished by the death of friends and discouraged by the loss of commissions to younger artists, this supreme painter and sculptor began carving his own tomb. It was at this unlikely moment that fate intervened to task Michelangelo with the most ambitious and daunting project of his long creative life.
Michelangelo, God's Architect is the first book to tell the full story of Michelangelo's final two decades, when the peerless artist refashioned himself into the master architect of St. Peter’s Basilica and other major buildings. When the Pope handed Michelangelo control of the St. Peter’s project in 1546, it was a study in architectural mismanagement, plagued by flawed design and faulty engineering. Assessing the situation with his uncompromising eye and razor-sharp intellect, Michelangelo overcame the furious resistance of church officials to persuade the Pope that it was time to start over.
Leading Michelangelo expert William Wallace sheds new light on this least familiar part of Michelangelo’s biography, revealing a creative genius who was also a skilled engineer and enterprising businessman. The challenge of building St. Peter’s deepened Michelangelo’s faith, Wallace shows. Fighting the intrigues of church politics and his own declining health, Michelangelo became convinced that he was destined to build the largest and most magnificent church ever conceived. And he was determined to live long enough that no other architect could alter his design.
William E. Wallace is the Barbara Murphy Bryant distinguished professor of art history at Washington University in St. Louis. His books include Discovering Michelangelo: The Art Lover's Guide to Understanding Michelangelo's Masterpieces, Michelangelo: The Artist, the Man, and His Times, and Michelangelo at San Lorenzo.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
What listeners say about Michelangelo, God's Architect
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Pierre Gauthier
- 2021-06-04
Mixed Feelings!
This work presents the detailed biography of Michelangelo’s final 30 years, when he acted first and foremost as an architect, notably on St. Peter’s Basilica. It is argued that this latter period of the artist’s life was the most productive and that with the greatest long-term impact.
Some may be disappointed to note that much emphasis is placed on his personal life, and not so much on his actual works. This is due no doubt to the sources that are available, many letters being quoted.
Illustrations are rather limited, and all are black and white.
In the audio version, the narrator is excellent at keeping a lively tone. He must be commended for taking great care to adequately pronounce foreign words, whether in Italian or in French.
Overall, this book may be considered a useful complement to better understand Michelangelo for those already familiar with his major accomplishments.
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