Michelangelo and the Art of Letter Writing [Paperback]

Deborah Parker examines Michelangelo's use of language in his correspondence as a means of understanding the creative process of this extraordinary artist.Michelangelos extant correspondence is the most abundant of any artist. Spanning 67 years, it comprises roughly 1,400 letters, of which 500 were written by Michelangelo himself. This is the first book to study the letters for their intrinsically literary qualities. In this volume, Deborah Parker examines Michelangelos use of language as a means of understanding the creative process of this extraordinary artist. Close study of his mastery of words and modes of self-presentation shows Michelangelo to be a consummate artist who deploys the resources of language to considerable effect.Michelangelos extant correspondence is the most abundant of any artist. Spanning 67 years, it comprises roughly 1,400 letters, of which 500 were written by Michelangelo himself. This is the first book to study the letters for their intrinsically literary qualities. In this volume, Deborah Parker examines Michelangelos use of language as a means of understanding the creative process of this extraordinary artist. Close study of his mastery of words and modes of self-presentation shows Michelangelo to be a consummate artist who deploys the resources of language to considerable effect.Michelangelos extant correspondence is the most abundant of any artist. Spanning 67 years, it comprises roughly 1,400 letters, of which 500 were written by Michelangelo himself. Biographers and art historians have combed the letters for insight into Michelangelos views on art, his contractual obligations, and his relationships. Literary scholars have explored parallels between the letters and Michelangelos poetry. Nevertheless, this is the first book to study the letters for their intrinsically literary qualities. In this volume, Deborah Parker examines Michelangelos use of language as a means of understanding the creative process of this extraordinary l.