Review of Michelangelo, the Byzantines, and Plato

[mmm17]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Michelangelo, the Byzantines, and Plato" by Elena Ene D-Vasilescu.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Michelangelo, the Byzantines, and Plato is a non-fiction title written by Elena Ene D-Vasilescu. The author discusses how Michelangelo’s genial work was influenced by the Byzantines, Plato, and the Neo-Platonists. Throughout the book, she provides abundant evidence to corroborate her theory that Michelangelo knew Byzantine art and that his oeuvre reflected this. To that end, she intended to put together these pieces of evidence that support her line of reasoning, and she delivered!

It is hard to say what I most enjoyed about this well-written and thorough title. Philosophy, arts, and literature are themes that interest me a lot, so I was immediately attracted to this book when I saw it. For starters, I very much liked the author’s brilliant parallels between Michelangelo’s work and Byzantine painting; she cleverly enumerates and examines several commonalities, which I enjoyed. For instance, the author analyses the lack of elaborated landscapes to frame the characters, the quasi-identity of limbs, the manner of preparation and application of the frescoes, painting on wood panels, and the employment of gold. I particularly appreciated how the Sistine Chapel was often used as an example in these analyses.

Additionally, I very much enjoyed the book’s philosophical stance. This aspect was what I liked the most. The author analyzes how Plato and Neoplatonism, which underwent a revival in the Renaissance, influenced Michelangelo. The book skillfully shows how Michelangelo received these influences via conversations with the philosophers and the artists at the Florentine Academy, as well as by reading their books. Moreover, I was impressed by the ingenious discussion of how the importance of beauty for Michelangelo bears Platonian elements. I felt that the author's writing style was both elegant and clear, despite the markedly academic subject.

Also, I liked that this well-researched and scholarly title includes marvelous illustrations. It is an aesthetically pleasing book, which I thought was a bonus. I dare say that even if one doesn’t appreciate the analyses, the illustrations themselves make the book worth reading. For instance, I was very impressed by the picture of Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

In closing, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It seemed professionally edited, and there was nothing I disliked about it. It is a well-written and pleasurable read that includes numerous bibliographical references and an index. I highly recommend it to readers who are fond of scholarly explorations. If you enjoy reading about the Renaissance, you should look at this book.

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Michelangelo, the Byzantines, and Plato
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[Rhodahams]

Although you seem to have enjoyed reading this book, I do not think it is a genre for. However, readers who are looking for scholarly exploration should check it out.

[Mbenma Esther 080]

This review has a whole lot of what I like reading. The themes and plotline are fascinating. Thanks for the review

[cutemami]

The illustrations seem like something worth looking at. I love the premise of the book.

[Aisha Yakub]

Seems to have credible and authentic points of references. Great review.

[Bigwig1973]

Your review makes this seem such an interesting and well-done study. I'll have to add it to my list!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I do love art, philosophy, and history. But this seems like too niche of a research to just read for pleasure. I'm sure the illustrations are amazing. And it might make a great gift to art, and philosophy aficionados.
Great review!

[Ruthhagar Tsikata]

Not really the type of genre I like to look for. Not interested in literature and philosophy of any kind. This book is for people who love art, philosophy and literature. Nice review though

[Abimbola Oladokun]

Great review. Though this seems like a book that art, philosophy and history fans would love, sadly, I'm not one of them. I would love to recommend it to people who like reading this genre. Congratulations on being the BOTD.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an interesting educational non-fiction book highlighting the author's discussion on how Michelangelo’s genial work was influenced by the Byzantines, Plato, and the Neo-Platonists. The book is temporarily free on Amazon Kindle and has an inciteful OnlineBookClub review.

[NetMassimo]

My knowledge of the subject is too limited to be able to assess the author's arguments but Michelangelo is one of the greatest Italian artists, so a book about him and his work makes me curious. thank you for your great review!

[Ohna Martin]

This is not a book I would read. I do not know about the subject and I certainly do not like philosophy. It sounds great for people who are interested in that line of reading. I would encourage those people to read this book.

[Manang Muyang]

Michelangelo was indeed a genius. I am happy to own a free copy of the book. I will surely check out the illustrations, at least. Byzantine stuff is alien to me though.

[Lacompan]

Well endowed and good analysis book. If you are into philosphers, different cultures and renaissance period, grab and read this book.

[Roy Nick]

Michelangelo was skillful at art; he produced some of the best in the world. The other people mentioned are new to me. I've never heard of them, but I love a good challenge. Great review.