Cellini : artist, genius, fugitive / Derek Parker.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Parker, Derek, 1932-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cellini, Benvenuto, 1500-1571.

Cellini, Benvenuto.

Sculptors--Italy--Biography.

Sculptors.

Italy.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

ix, 245 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, 1 portrait ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Stroud : Sutton, 2003.

Summary:

Cellini was one of the most successful artists of his age, a goldsmith and sculptor of extraordinary ability whose works of art were coveted by the wealthy throughout Renaissance Europe. Yet he was also, as a contemporary described him, 'spirited, proud, vigorous, most resolute, and truly terrible'. Frequently tactless in dealing with those who employed him, undiscriminating in his sexual encounters, his temper was legendary and he killed three men. How can we reconcile the sensitive artist and craftsman with the violent, promiscuous, brutal man? In this biography, the first for many years, Derek Parker tells the story of Cellini in the context of his times, thus allowing a full portrait of the man to emerge. Born in Florence in 1500, Benvenuto Cellini grew up in the shadow of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. Originally intended for a career as a musician, Cellini's talent for drawing was quickly apparent, and he was apprenticed to a goldsmith. Aged seventeen he turned down an offer to join the great sculptor, Torrigiani, at the court of Henry VIII and, soon afterward, was accepting commissions at the extravagant court of the Medicis and from Pope Clement VII.

The strength of personality that saw Cellini forge a reputation as one of Europe's most gifted artists in a gifted age also saw him pursue an increasingly dangerous life of excess. His tempestuous relationships with his family, lovers and competitors led to the stabbing of his rival, Guasconti, and he took bloodthirsty revenge for the death of his brother, Cecchino. This lively and compelling biography of an important, but frequently overlooked, Renaissance artist will appeal not only to art historians but to anyone interested in the history of Europe during this period.

Contents:

1 Becoming Himself 15

2 'I Mean to be Free' 29

3 The Music of the Guns 43

4 Murder, Revenge and Magic 58

5 'Not without a Little Pride...' 76

6 Prisoner of the Pope 92

7 Miseries and Visions 106

8 The Court at Fontainebleau 117

9 Quarrels with King and Court 134

10 The Nymph of Fontainebleau 148

11 The Medici Patron 162

12 Myths in Marble 178

13 Perseus 190

14 Imprisonment and the Crucifix 202

15 Death and Immortality 215.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

075092957X

OCLC:

52486251