Michelangelo

Michelangelo--The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture brings together in one exquisite volume the powerful sculptures, the awe-inspiring paintings and the classical architectural works of what may be the greatest artist of all time. Magnificent new colour and black-and-white photographs, many never before published, highlight the works: his tender Piet?s, in which hard, unforgiving marble is transformed into the form of a mother cradling her fallen son; the regal tombs of the Medici, with the unforgettable allegories of Day, Night, Dawn, and Dusk; the famous series of Slaves that emerge, unfinished, from their stone prisons of solid marble; and David, the epitome of heroism, self-assurance, and power. Along with the sculptures are the paintings executed by this true Renaissance man: the Sistine Chapel and the Doni Tondo, shown here in their full, restored glory, seen as they were meant to be seen. Finally, the book devotes itself to the architectural accomplishments of this genius. A marvelous and engaging text by renowned Michelangelo scholar William E. Wallace humanizes this giant, giving the reader greater insight into the artist's mind and life. Michelangelo is a visual and literary treasure, an opportunity to view Michelangelo's work as never before, and to more fully understand the artist who, through his work, spoke of his life and his times. "Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture will surely stand out as one of the most handsome books put out this season. As elegant as is its presentation, the book is especially valuable in that it covers the complete work of this artist in one volume, including not only his major accomplishments but those not as well known. Author William E. Wallace, internationally recognized authority on Michelangelo and Associate Professor of Art History at Washington University in St. Louis, offers a scholarly yet engaging look into the man, his life and his work." -- Art Times "In one concise volume, Wallace (art history, Washington Univ.) presents an accurately rendered life in intelligent, accessible prose. Though not footnoted, it consists of an overview with chronology of Michelangelo's life, followed by three extensive chapters on his major creations--sculpture, painting, and architecture-- each illustrated with stunning photographs and post-restoration reproductions. There are several fold-out sections, including a full-colour Sistine ceiling and a complete diagram of all its segments. The commentary accompanying each work is engaging, and the layout is thoughtful and well planned, corresponding to the text. While there is a plethora of worthwhile books on Michelangelo, including those that focus in depth on a particular aspect, these sumptuous reproductions are some of the best on the market. They succeed in conveying Michelangelo's grandeur and magnificence gracefully and factually and, if budgetary conditions allow, should serve as a first-choice introduction to students and interested lay readers." -- Library Journal