Resurrection of Genius -- Italy during the Renaissance

Author: [[American] Time-Life
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: "The Resurrection of Genius: Italy during the Renaissance" is one of the world history series "Living in Distant Times" published by Time-Life Books for you. This volume vividly depicts this thrilling scene experienced by Lorenzo, and intersperses it with many lesser-known interesting stories from the Italian Renaissance. Focusing on this new era in human history, it emphasizes recreating the daily life and customs of the time. The characteristics of this new era are not only reflected in the changes in political structures and religious principles but also in people's concerns for daily life. These stories about princes, merchants, scholars, and craftsmen are all drawn from modern collections of letters, notes, political documents, and historical materials.
On Halloween in 1512, four years after he climbed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo, looking both weary and elated, watched the last plank of the scaffolding being removed. The next day, he went to the chapel again, and then Pope Julius entered the Sistine Chapel, surrounded by a group of Vatican courtiers. His gaze rose, sweeping slowly around the interior, and he smiled with satisfaction. He thought it remarkable that one person could accomplish such a magnificent work. The ceiling painting was indeed grand and awe-inspiring, but he did not need to tell Michelangelo his feelings. He believed that adding a little more decoration might make the work even more magnificent.
"I think it's necessary to add some gold decoration," the Pope said cautiously. Then he stared into Michelangelo's eyes, but he saw the same refusal. The Romans believed there was no need for any further adornment. Crowds gathered, entering the chapel and gazing upward at the painting, speechless with awe.