Madonna and Child
When Michelangelo stood in line to receive his set of genes, he must have drained the available gene pool. Not only did he present the world with his many sculptures, the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and the architectural design of St. Peter's Basilica, he also wrote poetry. In fact, at least 300 sonnets. Who would have known?
Visiting Casa Buonarroti in Florence was a fascinating peak into his family and his works. The sonnets, most of which are housed here, reflect his "extremes in ideas and emotions".
Your beauty, Love, stuns mortal reckonings.
There's not a face among us can compare
with its image in the heart. You've kindled there
far different fire, fanned it with different wings.
Artemisia Gentileschi's The Inclination in the Galleria ceiling of Casa Buonarroti
What's to become of her, long years from now,
O Love, since time makes lank the fairest face?
Maybe her fame? That too fades- not a trace!-
faster by far than ever I'd allow.
More and less...
More and less...
Casa Buonarrati is located on Via Ghibellina in Florence.
Michelangelo's tomb in Basilica di Santa Croce
For more information, read The Complete Poems of Michelangelo by John Frederick Nims.
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