Michelangelo's Art of Devotion in the Age of Reform

Emily A. Fenichel's book explores the religious motivations behind Michelangelo's late period, arguing that he sought new iconographies and techniques to address the challenges of the Counter-Reformation. She presents a more nuanced characterization of the artist as collaborative, penitent, and experimental, transforming him into a new type of religious artist for a new era.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this captivating volume, Emily A. Fenichel delves into the profound religious motivations that fueled Michelangelo's sculpture and graphic works during his late period. Drawing upon critical analysis of his Last Judgment, Fenichel establishes that a significant portion of Michelangelo's late oeuvre was dedicated to addressing the religious and artistic challenges posed by the Counter-Reformation. Despite facing critiques that accused him of prioritizing art over religion, Michelangelo embarked on a quest for new religious iconographies and techniques, both publicly and privately.

Fenichel presents a fresh and alternative perspective on Michelangelo's late career, challenging the conventional portrayal of him as solitary, intractable, and temperamental. Instead, she offers a nuanced characterization of the artist, highlighting his interest in collaboration, penance, meditation, and experimentation. These pursuits played a pivotal role in his transformation into a new type of religious artist, well-suited for the emerging era.

Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Fenichel sheds light on the complex interplay between Michelangelo's religious beliefs and artistic expression. She explores how he sought to reconcile the conflicting demands of faith and creativity, employing innovative techniques and iconographic symbols to convey his spiritual messages. The book also provides a valuable insight into the social and cultural context of the late Renaissance, where religious tensions and artistic innovations converged, shaping the artistic landscape of the time.

In conclusion, Emily A. Fenichel's volume offers a profound exploration of the religious motivations behind Michelangelo's late period. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, she presents a fresh and alternative perspective on the artist, challenging the conventional narratives and highlighting his profound contribution to the world of art. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and art, as well as in the evolution of artistic expression during the late Renaissance.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 182 x 261 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009314374