Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel – Book Review

Marks 500th Anniversary Since Work Began on Vatican Chapel Ceiling

May 26, 2009

Andrew Graham-Dixon explores Michelangelo's attitude to art as a noble profession, the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and its symbolism, plus later works of art.

Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel (Skyhorse Publishing Inc., 2008) marks the 500th anniversary of the start of work on the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. This monumental project is considered to be one of the world’s most important works of art.

There is, according to the author, Andrew Graham-Dixon, only a small amount of literature relating precisely to the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, even though the library of knowledge pertaining to Michelangelo is vast. Numerous historians have analysed many aspects of the artist’s work in great detail. Some of the most frequently asked questions have been:

The results of their research have been published in art historical books, papers and journals, not always accessible to the general reader.

Right from the start, Graham-Dixon has set out to make Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel accessible to all, and he has certainly achieved his goal. This is an insightful and highly readable introduction to an amazing work of art and its creator.

In this chapter the author sets the painting in its context by discussing the artist’s complex personality. He tells readers about his world, its social structure, politics and religious conventions, relating the story of Michelangelo’s life from his birth to the moment he, rather reluctantly, started work on the ceiling.

The artist was reluctant because, firstly, he did not trust Pope Julius whom he suspected of trying to destroy his reputation, and secondly, Michelangelo stated that he was a sculptor, not a painter.

In accepting the commission, the artist paid a heavy price. It took four years to complete the work, a feat he performed standing on a platform. He suffered constant cramps, spasms, aches and pains, which permanently damaged his neck, back and eyes.

This is the main part of the book, containing a detailed interpretation of the ceiling, both as a complete work of art, and as individual pictures.

This chapter explores The Last Judgement, Michelangelo’s final contribution to the chapel, together with later pieces, such as The Florence Pietà which features the artist as an old man.

Andrew Graham-Dixon – About the Author

Andrew Graham-Dixon has won a number of prestigious awards for broadcasting, art criticism and journalism. He was Chief Art Critic at The Independent for more than ten years and is author of Renaissance, Howard Hodgkin and Paper Museum.

Published by Skyhorse Publishing Inc., in 2008, the book is priced at $24.95, ISBN 978-1-60239-368-4, Hardcover.

The copyright of the article Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel – Book Review in Visual Art Books is owned by Frances Spiegel. Permission to republish Michelangelo and Sistine Chapel – Book Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.