My heart is always lifted when a book begins with a map; it is like getting on a plane, we are about to go on an adventure. The first image in this generously illustrated work is a map of Italy 400 years ago; it shows a loose collection of independent nation states which, at that time, stood in the middle of the world.
Having, in his book Brunelleschi’s Dome, successfully conjured up Florence in the 15th century, Ross King now moves to 16th-century Rome and Michelangelo’s astonishing Sistine chapel ceiling; an artistic achievement so stunning that, according to Goethe, we cannot understand what one man is capable of without visiting the chapel. King, however, informs us that Goethe was wrong; the fresco is the result of many men’s labour; Michelangelo worked with a team of expert assistants.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in