Volume XVII, Issue VI
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Michelangelo Buonarroti was a painter, sculptor, architect and poet widely considered one of the most brilliant artists of the Italian Renaissance. At 25 he carved the magnificent Pieta as a commission for Cardinal Jean Bilhères de Lagraulas, completing the work in less than a year! This treasure of the Vatican was exhibited at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 at the Vatican Pavilion. Between 1501 and 1504, Michelangelo took over a commission for a statue of David, which two other sculptors had abandoned.
Although he was primarily a sculptor, Pope Julius II asked Michelangelo to switch from sculpting to painting to create a work for the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, completed on October 31, 1512. The original plan called for 12 apostles but the painting ended up having 300 figures in it. Being a sculptor, Michelangelo created wax models to perfect his design and developed a special slow drying plaster. He had to design special scaffolding so the chapel could remain in use as he painted.
Michelangelo began the painting in 1508. He did not complete it until 1512. The work had to have been tedious. According to one story. Two of Michelangelo’s rival artists put Pope Julius up to commissioning him. The painter Raphael and the architect Bramante were certain that Michelangelo would fail at the task but he went on to produce one of the great masterpieces of the Renaissance! Contrary to legend, Michelangelo painted standing up on the scaffolding. The work was uncomfortable. The wet plaster grew mold and Michelangelo had to remove it and start again His assistant Jacopo I’Indaco developed a new formula that resisted mold and the work went on.
Although Michelangelo continued to sculpt and paint throughout his life, following the physical rigor of painting the Sistine Chapel he turned his focus toward architecture. He designed the tomb of Julius II. Michelangelo also designed the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library — located opposite the Basilica San Lorenzo in Florence — to house the Medici book collection. In 1546 he became the chief architect of the magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Painted by Michelangelo
David
David by Michelangelo, Florence, Galleria dell'Accademia, 1501-1504. Photo by Jörg Bittner Unna.
Panorama of St. Peter's Square. Photo by Andrew Magill [1.]
Evangelizing through Beauty
Bishop Robert Barron
Bishop Barron on Hans Urs von Balthasar
“No Safe Spaces”
By Dennis Prager
[click to read]
Historically, colleges and universities were places dedicated to open dialogue and a free exchange of ideas. Sadly, intolerance and censorship toward conservatism is on the rise. On this special broadcast, Dr. Dobson talks with popular radio host Dennis Prager about his new documentary No Safe Spaces. Hear how free speech is under attack on campuses across the nation. (read more)
The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
Virginia is for Science Lovers
Mural Proposal by the Kirchman Studio. The design features images of Katherine Johnson and Francis Collins. #StauntonMural
This is a proposal I worked up for a competition for a tourism mural in downtown Staunton. Although it was not selected for this location, I would love to find a home for this work honoring Francis Collins and Katherine Johnson. My wife, Pam, came up with a better name for this project than I had – “Virginia is for Science Lovers.”
Strength for the Storm
Photo by Bob Kirchman
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” – ISAIAH 25:4
Laney’s Palette Art Show
Saturday September 14th, 2019 in Crozet, VA
Works by Kristina Elaine Greer will be on display at the gallery space of Tabor Presbyterian Church, 5804 Tabor Street, Crozet, Virginia 22932. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, September 14th, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the church. All are invited. The show will feature Laney’s Acrylic Paintings and Pencil Drawings from 2004 – 2019.
