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jenniferstringer's review against another edition
4.0
Thoroughly researched and well-written. Erudite in the extreme which detracts from its readability (I've only been reading it since March), but had many thoughtful things to say about Michelangelo. I appreciated that it focused on his work, and less speculation about his sex life, unlike so many articles written about this guy. Don't think I'll add him to my fantasy dinner guest list. Sounds like a rather prickly guy, but if he was willing to share his thoughts, he'd certainly be fascinating.
If you are feeling extremely nerdy, you can read it along with a tablet/computer and virtually visit the works of art that are being discussed. How cool is that?
If you are feeling extremely nerdy, you can read it along with a tablet/computer and virtually visit the works of art that are being discussed. How cool is that?
csemanek's review against another edition
4.0
I learned so much from this book. Now I want to go to Rome and Florence!
ronald_schoedel's review against another edition
5.0
A very good biography of Michelangelo told through the sometimes decades-long stories of six of his masterpieces. I began reading this as preparation for my trip to Rome and Florence, to better appreciate the works I would be seeing. I ended up with not only a better appreciation of his art but of the times he lived in and the challenges he faced, as Unger explains a lot about the political intrigues and wars that characterized Italian and European lives during the time of Michelangelo. It’s amazing that Michelangelo was able to so deftly navigate the turmoil and live to such an old age, always managing to win over this or that Duke or Pope who could just as easily have ordered his execution.
I came away with a better understanding of Michelangelo the man, as well as being sad that he experienced social difficulties due to his very prickly personality. But under the rough surface and lofty genius was a good but tormented soul who treated the poor and other outcasts of society with generosity and respect. He was a man of faith, who saw art as being a godly calling, and his own art as the expression of his faith, his doubts, and his relationship with God. And miraculously, he convinced the rest of the world that artists are not merely technicians completing colour-by-number assignments but vessels through which the divine could manifest itself, forever elevating the painter, sculptor, and architect to a more deserved and higher reputation.
I came away with a better understanding of Michelangelo the man, as well as being sad that he experienced social difficulties due to his very prickly personality. But under the rough surface and lofty genius was a good but tormented soul who treated the poor and other outcasts of society with generosity and respect. He was a man of faith, who saw art as being a godly calling, and his own art as the expression of his faith, his doubts, and his relationship with God. And miraculously, he convinced the rest of the world that artists are not merely technicians completing colour-by-number assignments but vessels through which the divine could manifest itself, forever elevating the painter, sculptor, and architect to a more deserved and higher reputation.
kathleenitpdx's review
3.0
[b:Michelangelo: A Life in Six Masterpieces|18775462|Michelangelo A Life in Six Masterpieces|Miles J. Unger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405872237s/18775462.jpg|26680605] is a biography of Michelangelo centering on six of his masterpieces. Unger's main theme is that Michelangelo struggled successfully through his life to establish himself and other artists as more than craftsmen, that they could and should have something to say about and through their creations.
I struggled the book a little early on. I did enjoy the author's history of Pietas. But he went on for several pages as to why Michelangelo carved his famous Pieta portraying Mary much younger than she would have been at the time of the crucifixion. Unger used no information from Michelangelo or his contemporaries as to why and didn't propose anything practical like Michelangelo didn't want to carve crows-feet in his beautiful piece of marble. Later in the book Unger did suggest that Michelangelo may have painted fewer and larger figures on the Sistine ceiling so that they would be more visible to viewers 60 feet below and to cover more space more quickly.
Overall I enjoyed the book and really appreciated the way Unger brought in what was happening in Europe at the time and how it impacted Michelangelo. I had never put together that Martin Luther had posted his Ninety-Five Theses during Michelangelo's working life.
I struggled the book a little early on. I did enjoy the author's history of Pietas. But he went on for several pages as to why Michelangelo carved his famous Pieta portraying Mary much younger than she would have been at the time of the crucifixion. Unger used no information from Michelangelo or his contemporaries as to why and didn't propose anything practical like Michelangelo didn't want to carve crows-feet in his beautiful piece of marble. Later in the book Unger did suggest that Michelangelo may have painted fewer and larger figures on the Sistine ceiling so that they would be more visible to viewers 60 feet below and to cover more space more quickly.
Overall I enjoyed the book and really appreciated the way Unger brought in what was happening in Europe at the time and how it impacted Michelangelo. I had never put together that Martin Luther had posted his Ninety-Five Theses during Michelangelo's working life.
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