Annotation
In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel. With little experience as a painter (though famed for his sculpture "David"), Michelangelo was reluctant to begin the massive project.
"Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling" recounts the four extraordinary years Michelangelo spent laboring over the vast ceiling while the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. Battling against ill health, financial difficulties, domestic problems, the pope's impatience, and a bitter rivalry with the brilliant young painter Raphael, Michelangelo created scenes so beautiful that they are considered one of the greatest masterpieces of all time. A panorama of illustrious figures converged around the creation of this great work-from the great Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus to the young Martin Luther-and Ross King skillfully weaves them through his compelling historical narrative, offering uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history.
Awards
2004 American Library Association Notable Books
Author Notes
Michelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling Ross King is the author of Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture, as well as two novels, Ex-Libris and Domino. He lives in England, near Oxford.
| Genre | NonFiction Historical |
| Topics | Art history Renaissance art Religiuos leaders Popes Painters Murals Muralists Vatican Church history Art Artists Italian art Italian history |
| Setting | Vatican City |