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Michelangelo and the Viewer in His Time

series Renaissance Lives

$9.89

Bernadine Barnes explores how Michelangelo strategically crafted his masterpieces to influence the public. She analyzes how the artist navigated the complex social and religious expectations of his sixteenth-century Roman audience.

Additional information

Publisher

Reaktion Books

Release Date

April 15, 2017

Number of pages

207

Language

English

ISBN

9781780237886

Download options

Epub

Format

Digital Book

Description

This ebook offers a fresh look at how the most incredible Renaissance artist spoke to his audience. Specifically, it explores Michelangelo and the Viewer in His Time by Bernadine Barnes, a series of Renaissance Lives. The author shows how the artist planned his work for different audiences. Furthermore, she describes how the public reacted to his giant statues and murals. Thus, it is an invaluable guide for art fans.

Perspective in Michelangelo and the Viewer in His Time by Bernadine Barnes, series Renaissance Lives

Bernadine Barnes explains that Michelangelo did not work in a vacuum. Consequently, the book tracks how he changed his style based on who was looking. He looked for ways to guide the eyes of popes, rivals, and ordinary citizens. In addition, the text shows his control over light and space in the Sistine Chapel. Therefore, the reader learns the secrets of his visual power.

The Artist and the Public Eye

The book focuses on why the placement of a statue was so vital to the master. Primarily, the author describes how David’s size changed how people walked in Florence. Similarly, she shares stories about how viewers felt when they stood under the great dome. She argues that the viewer completes the work of art. Thus, the path of his creative vision becomes very clear.

Themes in Michelangelo and the Viewer in His Time by Bernadine Barnes, series Renaissance Lives

The author highlights many details about the work and the genius’s mind. Specifically, readers can find these ideas within the book:

  • Social Rank: How the artist made different art for the Church and for private friends.

  • Visual Distance: The way he adjusted shapes so they looked perfect from far below.

  • Emotional Impact: Why his work caused such strong feelings in the people of Rome.

  • Renaissance Lives: A look at the daily world that surrounded his massive projects.

Value of This Historical Study

This volume acts as a vital tool for anyone who loves the study of history. Indeed, Michelangelo and the Viewer in His Time by Bernadine Barnes, part of the Renaissance Lives series, is a gem. Moreover, the simple language makes the complex world of art theory easy to grasp. Finally, it proves that his work was a conversation with the world. It is a perfect choice for your digital shelf.

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