Michelangelo - the complete sculpture

320 Pages·1968·68.72 MB·English

by  Frederick Hartt

MICHELA^GELL
THE COMPLE
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Michelangelo the sculptor is here presented in stunning
totality.Newlyphotographedincolorandblack-and-white,
his finished work in sculpture and all the projects, models,
and reworkings appear in full viewsand alsoin almostcine-
maticdetails. Thesepermit the reader to walk aroundeach
work in complete freedom, to experience the power ofthe
wholeby seeing it from all sides or toconcentrateatwill on
spectacular passages. From the smallest part to the largest
aspect, Michelangelo's genius is unflagging; he packs into
a rounded thumb, a fall ofdrapery, or a tensed muscle the
same degree of'terribilita or passionate tenderness that the
magnificent works contain in their fullness.
ProfessorFrederickHartt,whohasalifetimeofstudyand
knowledge of Michelangelo's art behind him, is superbly
qualifiedtobringfreshmeaningtotheseworks.Heanalyzes
—
Michelangelo's technique ofcarving his choice ofblocks,
his gradated chisels and finishing devices. He also explains
thepolitics,personalities,andproblemsthathaltedthecom-
pletion ofmany projects, and gives a new account ofhow
and why their present appearance may deviate from the
master's plans andvisions. Yetin discussing the marvelous
unfinished works the author acknowledges their inspired
power,as". thesegiantsstruggletofreethemselvesfrom
. .
the surroundingmarble. Ifthe greatartistcould mirac-
. . .
ulously return and carve away all the rough marble, we
would probably miss it."
Michelangelo's relevant poetry and letters are freshly
translated by the author, and prove to yield fullerinforma-
tion about his methods and intentions. Professor Hartt's
new look at all the problems results in several cases in new
dates and reconstructions. The beautiful photographs sup-
port this new look, and the readerwill beenthralled by the
shining and shadowy surface values ofthe sculptures in the
numerous full-size colorplates. The reconstructions ofthe
various projects for the Tomb ofJulius IIwere prepared by
the author especially for this volume. He also contributes
a full chronology ofMichelangelo's life, and from the vast
literature he has selected and annotated an up-to-date
bibliography, for those interested in furtherreading.
A fitting sequel to Professor Hartt's book on Michelan-
gelo's painting, this volui spares no effort to bring to the
reader the full magnifio : Michelangelo's still greater
achievement, his 38 imn < I il works ofsculpture.
332 illustrations, including 18 colorpla&i
DATE DUE
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DEMCO. INC. 38-2931
SAUSALITO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hartt, Frederick. v
q730.945 Michelangelo: the complete sculpture. *sew York, H. JN.
Michel- Abrams 1968?,
angelo
310 p. lllus. (part coL) 33 cm.
Bibliography: p. 30&-310.
1. Michelangelo, 1475-1564 I. Title
x Buonarroti, Michel Angelo
EG 12/70 -.
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NB623.B9H3

MICHELANGELO
The Complete Sculpture
Self-portrait asJoseph ofArimathea, from Pieta, Florence Cathedral
(see pages 280-89)
MICHELANGELO
COMPLETE SCULPTURE
THE
FREDERICK HARTT
Chairman, Department of Art, University of Virginia
HARRY ABRAMS, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
INC.,
N.
SAUSALITO PUBLIC LIBRARY
MILTON S. FOX, Editor-in-Chief PATRICIA EGAN, Editor
Book designed by Robin Fox
Library ofCongress Catalog Card Number: 68-24045
All rights reserved
Nopart ofthe contents ofthis book may be reproduced
without the writtenpermission ofthepublishers
Harry N. Abrams, Incorporated, New York
Printedand bound in 'Japan
MEMORIAM
IN
IOHANNIS POGGII
IMPIGRI PACE DISCIPVLI
IMPAVIDI BELLO DEFENSORIS
ARTIVM FLORENTIAE