ARTH 533(F) Michelangelo: Biography, Mythology, and the History of Art
One might argue that Michelangelo's enduring fame, and his preeminence in the western art historical canon, is as much a product of his artistic persona as his artistic achievement. Indeed, the modern notion of the visual artist as a brooding, even tortured genius of unstoppable creative force finds its roots in the Italian Renaissance. This is largely due to the singular figure of Michelangelo, whose life and career are more fully documented than those of any western artist to precede him. And Michelangelo's mythic individuality, alongside his artistic innovations and contributions, have made him a fundamental force in the shape of the history of art as we understand and study it today. Students in this course will become well-acquainted with the life and work of Michelangelo through the examination of primary and secondary sources, giving critical attention to the intersection of the artist's biography and personality with his artistic production. We will examine the nature and reliability of the evidence used to reconstruct Michelangelo the person, as well as the grounds for interpreting his work according to his personal philosophical outlook, religious beliefs, and presumed sexuality. To what extent was Michelangelo responsible for shaping his own persona for posterity? Is the myth of this artist distinguishable from his "reality?" And to what extent have these issues shaped our own thinking about artists and the history of art? We will ask these questions and more.
Format: seminar. Requirements will include an oral presentation, a research paper, short response papers, and critical commentary on work of peers.
Enrollment limit: 12. Preference will be given first to graduate students and then to senior majors.
Hour: SOLUM