192 Pages
    by Routledge

    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    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.

    Part 1 Introduction; Chapter 1 General Introduction; Chapter 2 Synopsis of Michelangelo’s Life and Known Works (Other Than Drawings and Poems); Chapter 3 Michelangelo and His Family; Part 2 Visual Works; Chapter 4 Visual Works; Part 3 The Poems; Chapter 5 The Poems;

    Biography

    Adrian Stokes (1902 - 1972). British art critic, painter and poet. Significantly influenced by the psychoanalyst Melanie Klein.

    '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