Resurrection of Genius: Italy during the Renaissance

Author: Published by Time-Life Books, Inc., translated by Dong Mei, Geng Jianxin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: "The Resurrection of Genius: Italy in the Renaissance" is one of the "Lives in the Faraway Times" series from Time-Life Books. This volume vividly depicts the thrilling scene Lorenzo experienced and interweaves many lesser-known fascinating stories from the Italian Renaissance. Focusing on this new era in human history, it recreates 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 attention to 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, with a look of exhaustion and joy, 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 went up, slowly sweeping around the interior, revealing a satisfied smile. He thought that one person could accomplish such a magnificent work. The ceiling painting was indeed grand and spectacular, but he didn't need to tell Michelangelo his feelings. He believed adding a little more decoration might make the work even more magnificent. "I think it's necessary to add some gold decorations," the Pope said cautiously. Then he stared into Michelangelo's eyes, but he saw the same refusal. The Romans thought nothing more needed to be added. People flocked into the church, gazing upward at the painting, speechless with amazement.