The Cults of Raphael and Michelangelo : Artistic Sainthood and Memorials As a Second Life

This study explores the phenomenon of the cults of Raphael and Michelangelo in relation to their death, burial, and posthumous fame―or second life―from their own times through the nineteenth century. These two artists inspired fervent followings like no other artists before them. The affective response of those touched by the potency of the physical presence of their art- works, personal effects, and remains―or even touched by the power of their creative legacy―opened up new avenues for artistic fame, divination, and commemoration. Within this cultural framework, this study charts the elevation of the status of dozens of other artists in Italy through funerals and tomb memorialization, many of which were held and made in response to those of Raphael and Michelangelo. By bringing together disparate sources and engaging material as well as a variety of types of artworks and objects, this book will be of great interest to anyone who studies early modern Italy, art history, cultural history, and Italian studies. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of figures Acknowledgements (A Million Thanks) Introduction Overview and intent Memory and memorials Imitation and idolization Scholarly context and chapter summaries Notes Chapter 1 From making one’s mark to artistic apotheosis Affirmations of accomplishment Surpassing Nature Artistic divinity and artists’ hands Artworks as relics Notes Chapter 2 Antecedents: Artist tombs before Raphael Funerary monuments as a second life Honoring architects Painters’ tombs Outdoing Apelles Carving the way Notes Chapter 3 Raphael as artifex divinus: Entombment and disciples Death and memorialization The lamentation of the artist Tombs of Raphael’s associates The Virtuosi al Pantheon Notes Chapter 4 Michelangelo’s scrittura from beginning to end Signing St. Peter’s Pietà and the response Sculptor’s mark Carving the Florentine Pietà Notes Chapter 5 Sixteenth-century self-made memorials Centered on Christ in central Italy More tombs for/by sculptors The Vasari family mausoleum Vasari’s (self-)commemoration Notes Chapter 6 Mourning Michelangelo The death of Il Divino The Esequie Monuments for Michelangelo Notes Chapter 7 Brotherhood and burial Academies and interment Communal burial and the Accademia del Disegno In Michelangelo’s wake in Venice and Bologna Annibale’s interment near Raphael The Accademia di San Luca, Raphael, and Maratti Notes Chapter 8 The longue durée Forever famous and celebrity seekers Cultural tourism: “In Santa Croce with no Baedeker” Revived renown Opening Raphael’s grave and other celebrations Michelangelo centenaries RIP (conclusion) Notes Bibliography Glossary Index "This study explores the phenomenon of the cults of Raphael and Michelangelo in relation to their death, burial, and posthumous fame-or second life-from their own times through the nineteenth century. These two artists inspired fervent followings like no other artists before them. The affective response of those touched by the potency of the physical presence of their artworks, personal effects, and remains-or even touched by the power of their creative legacy-opened up new avenues for artistic fame, divination, and commemoration. Within this cultural framework, this study charts the elevation of the status of dozens of other artists in Italy through funerals and tomb memorialization, many of which were held and made in response to that of Raphael and Michelangelo. By bringing together disparate sources and engaging material as well as a variety of types of artworks and objects, this book will be of great interest to anyone who studies early modern Italy, art history, cultural history, and Italian studies"--p. précédent p. de titre "This study explores the phenomenon of the cults of Raphael and Michelangelo in relation to their death, burial, and posthumous fame-or second life-from their own times through the nineteenth century. These two artists inspired fervent followings like no other artists before them. The affective response of those touched by the potency of the physical presence of their artworks, personal effects, and remains-or even touched by the power of their creative legacy-opened up new avenues for artistic fame, divination, and commemoration. Within this cultural framework, this study charts the elevation of the status of dozens of other artists in Italy through funerals and tomb memorialization, many of which were held and made in response to that of Raphael and Michelangelo. By bringing together disparate sources and engaging material as well as a variety of types of artworks and objects, this book will be of great interest to anyone who studies early modern Italy, art history, cultural history, and Italian studies"-- Provided by publisher This study explores the phenomenon of the cults of Raphael and Michelangelo in relation to their death, burial, and posthumous fame-or second life-from their own times through the nineteenth century.0These two artists inspired fervent followings like no other artists before them. The affective response of those touched by the potency of the physical presence of their art- works, personal effects, and remains-or even touched by the power of their creative legacy-opened up new avenues for artistic fame, divination, and commemoration. Within this cultural framework, this study charts the elevation of the status of dozens of other artists in Italy through funerals and tomb memorialization, many of which were held and made in response to those of Raphael and Michelangelo.0By bringing together disparate sources and engaging material as well as a variety of types of artworks and objects, this book will be of great interest to anyone who studies early modern Italy, art history, cultural history, and Italian studies