The Agony in the Sublime
A Review of Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling
Today’s Read:
Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, by Ross King
Narrated by Alan Sklar (unabridged)
Published by Penguin Books, 2002. 384 pages.
Genre: biography, art history
In Michelangelo and The Pope’s Ceiling, novelist Ross King colorfully recounts the epic battle of wills between master artist Michelangelo Buonarroti and The Warrior Pope, Julius II. Their dramatic standoff is brilliantly chronicled by King, who vibrantly illustrates the tumultuous journey of painting The Sistine Chapel Ceiling. Ross King is an excellent storyteller, imbuing vivid soul and heartache into the anecdotal traces of history. He presents the events of early 16th century Italy through an experiential lens. In bringing two legendary characters of colossal will and reputation to life while defining the backdrop of historical context, he creates a comprehensive environment for readers to imagine themselves into.
I was absolutely drawn in by this book! I discovered it through Audible and listened straight through, finishing within two days. I actually didn’t want it to end. All too often, art history is presented in a very dry and factual manner that completely negates the human experience behind the masterworks we honor today. That is, refreshingly, not the case with this story. I’ve long been an enthusiast of the Renaissance period, with it’s incredible innovation, artistic wonders, and extraordinary mad-genius figures. I enjoyed this read because it manages to give captivating, detailed information and simultaneously humanize the people of this time. One can easily empathize with the perpetual conflict that Michelangelo finds himself in with brazen Pope Julius II, while also stepping back to marvel at the powerful clash of wills that begot an unprecedented masterpiece.
In the opening chapter, Ross King sets the scene in Rome with a dejected, despondent Michelangelo. After completing his breakthrough achievement, the statue of David in Florence, he had been awarded with the commission of a lifetime by the reigning Pope, Julius II. Also known as “Il Papa Terribile,” Julius was renowned for his iron will, fierce temper, and towering ambition. He promised an exceptional sum for the creation of a monumental sculpture that was to be his tomb, and demanded that the best---Michelangelo--be the one to carve it. The design was to incorporate over forty life-sized figures in a staggering scene of columns and arches, all fashioned from lunar white marble. As a passionate sculptor, this was a dream project for Michelangelo. However, after sinking great personal resources into mining the marble from Carrara and transporting it to Rome, the project fell indefinitely on hold. Pope Julius decided to redirect his finances towards a different undertaking of even greater magnitude--the demolition and reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica. This became a more pressing, urgent matter, as the current structure was suffering from debilitating foundation issues that resulted from being built upon shifting marshland.
To summarize a long and arduous story of frustration, resistance, and achievement:
Michelangelo fled Rome after selling the contents of his workshop to return to his home in Florence. The Pope promptly summoned him back, and while the remarkably determined artist avoided this as long as he could, he was ultimately forced to return in service of the Pope. Only, it was not to his beloved medium of stone-carving. No. He was being commissioned, very much against his will, to fresco the enormity of the Sistine Chapel Vault. This fascinating whirlwind of a story recounts the desperation of Michelangelo as he pleads and insists that he is a sculptor, not a painter. He tries again and again to refuse the commission, but ultimately, grows determined to give it all he has. We are with him as he encounters countless obstacles, from designing a scaffold capable of reaching the sixty-foot high ceiling, to the meticulous process of painting in fresco, to the challenge of conceptualizing a design that was worthy of his time and effort. King expertly pens Michelangelo’s famed temper and aloof disposition through his interactions with others, while offering clear insight of the inner turmoil of an artist who simply yearned to return home with his carving tools.
Upon reading this, I couldn’t help but reflect on the situations I’ve found myself in as a scenic artist and empathize with Michelangelo’s plight. The insistence that you must because you are the only one who can, even if you have no prior experience with what’s being asked. The many hurdles that must be crossed to simply begin work on the project that’s been handed to you. The destructive physical toll that painting at awkward angles and rapid speeds can have. And, the eternal tension that comes from a contest of creative control. I felt this book. The painting of the Sistine Chapel Vault sounds like it was the worst load in ever, for the most outrageous, powerful patron one could imagine.
Conversely, I also enjoyed the complicated journey to better understand Pope Julius II. He was a maniac, but an impressive one. His story is one that explores the meaning of greatness and legacy. Upon reading his chapters, I admired his tenacity while sympathizing for those tasked with managing the collateral damage of his objectives. Because of the Warrior Pope’s incomparable obstinance and ambition, we have one of the greatest artistic masterpieces ever created. But, at what cost? Four long and draining years of a brilliant man’s life. Pope Julius believed that his chosen artist was the only one who could accomplish such a phenomenon, and Michelangelo was too stubborn to fail.
Reading this book has me reflecting on my own experience of seeing the Sistine Chapel. I will withhold my impressions of the Vatican for another day, as there’s plenty for that to be its own lengthy chapter. In the chapel, solemn-faced priests were standing guard and shouting “Silencio!” across the sea of murmuring tourists surrounding me. I gradually shifted my way through the crowd, and gazed upward. When I saw that magnificent ceiling, I cried. I felt--overwhelmed, suspended, and...strangely angry. I could see the yearning to sculpt through the genius application of his painting. I realize that the ceiling has been restored and altered since Michelangelo’s brushstrokes were first swept into the damp plaster centuries ago. But, the gesture of the figures--the writhing composition of richly muscular beings twisting into an endless sky, section after beautiful section--I felt it. I still can’t explain why being there made me feel anger. I had dreamed of seeing the ceiling in person my entire life, couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to stand beneath it. And had no idea how to process the intensity of the emotions I was experiencing. When I visited the Sistine Chapel, it was December of 2018. I had been working in the fervent, fast-paced peak of freelancing as a scenic artist. It was a privilege and an honor to be there and witness the legacy of Michelangelo’s brilliance firsthand. And yet, I couldn’t shake the sensation of agony within the sublime. After listening to this book, I feel like I understand why just a little bit better.
If you travel to Italy, I do highly recommend visiting the Sistine Chapel and seeing it for yourself. Words simply cannot adequately describe what Michelangelo gave to the world. This book is a wonderful read to prep with, as it will help you imagine yourself into the process of the ceiling’s creation, and familiarize all of the colorful characters who walked that journey.
Review by Jessie Howe. February 26th, 2021
I discovered this book through audible. It’s an unabridged version, at 7 hrs and 25 min. long. Click Here to add this title to your own virtual library.
Have you read this book? If so, please share your thoughts and comment below!