Anyone interested in investigating the life and work of one of the Western world's greatest artists will appreciate this series of 36 half-hour lectures, delivered by Professor William E. Wallace of Washington University in St. Louis, which uphold the high standards of The Teaching Company's “Great Courses” series. Wallace, who has published widely on Michelangelo, proves a knowledgeable and articulate guide, adding personal reflections about experiencing his subject's masterworks firsthand, while also staking out positions on controversial matters of fact and interpretation. Wallace draws on early biographical accounts by Vasari and Condivi in the initial six lectures to paint a portrait of Michelangelo's youth and training, emphasizing that he was a fast study and excelled as an engineer as well as an artist. The remainder of the course offers a chronological survey, structured around detailed, thoughtful analyses of the artist's major masterworks in the realms of painting, sculpture, architecture, and even poetry. Three full segments are devoted to the Sistine Chapel and its recent restoration (with two more on The Last Judgment), three to the Medici Chapel sculptures, and several to buildings in Rome. All are exceptionally well illustrated with photographs, drawings, and maps, and split screens are employed for purposes of comparison. Rich in historical context and acute observation, The Genius of Michelangelo manages to capture the man's essential humanity while also illuminating his incredible artistic achievements. An excellent, in-depth portrait (course books are separately available, featuring lecture outlines, transcripts, maps, a timeline, glossary, and bibliography), The Genius of Michelangelo is highly recommended for academic, high school, and public library collections. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Genius of Michelangelo
(2007) 6 discs. 1,080 min. DVD: $149.95. The Teaching Company. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-59803-336-6. Volume 23, Issue 5
The Genius of Michelangelo
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