Michelangelo: A study in the Nature of Art (Routledge Classics) - Softcover

Stokes, Adrian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 041526765X ISBN 13: 9780415267656

Publisher: Routledge, 2001

Synopsis

Adrian Stokes was one of the twentieth century's finest and most discriminating writers on art. Of over twenty works of art criticism, Michelangelo was considered by Lawrence Gowing to be the most complete he ever wrote, presenting an understanding of the great artist that no one subsequently could afford to ignore. Stokes brings to bear in this work not only twenty-five years' study and appreciation of Italian Renaissance art and of aesthetics, but also a unique psychological perspective, as he explains in his introduction, which enables him to uncover the depths of the artist's personality. The subtlety of feeling and profound knowledge of sculpture which Sir Herbert Read admired in Stokes's work is also combined with a literary style perfected through his own poetry and criticism. Presenting a unique survey of his subject's literary as well as his artistic legacy, Stokes succeeds, as no other has before or since, in his aim of bringing Michelangelo's greatness into nearer view.

About this title

Review:

'This is a book I hope to read at least once, if not twice, more. I think Adrian Stokes has made a new, deep and penetrating contribution to present-day art criticism.' - Henry Moore

'Michelangelo's artistic personality has been profoundly read. It will be difficult to be content again with any view that does not look into its depth, or with one which does not see the man's life, his visual works and his poetry together.' - Lawrence Gowing

From the Back Cover:

'Adrian Stokes has made a new, deep and penetrating contribution to present-day art criticism.' - Henry Moore

Adrian Stokes was one of the twentieth century's finest and most discriminating writers on art. Of over twenty works of art criticism, Michelangelo was considered by Lawrence Gowing to be the most complete he ever wrote, presenting an understanding of the great artist that no one subsequently could afford to ignore. Stokes brings to bear in this work not only twenty-five years' study and appreciation of Italian Renaissance art and of aesthetics, but also a unique psychological perspective, as he explains in his introduction, which enables him to uncover the depths of the artist's personality. The subtlety of feeling and profound knowledge of sculpture which Sir Herbert Read admired in Stokes's work is also combined with a literary style perfected through his own poetry and criticism. Presenting a unique survey of his subject's literary as well as his artistic legacy, Stokes succeeds, as no other has before or since, in his aim of bringing Michelangelo's greatness into nearer view.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 041526765X
• ISBN 13: 9780415267656
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192