Review
------
"A brilliant and lyrical biography ... The masterful quality of
Forcellino's account lies not only in the beauty of its language,
translated impeccably from Italian into English, but in the
seamlessness and self-assurance with which he himself works
across northern Italy, its paintings, its politics."
The Spectator
"An excellent introduction to the workshop of the Renaissance
artist, and to the careful and patient techniques employed in the
making of timeless art works ... Forcellino has done a very
creditable service in his re-examination of the life of an artist
who, more than any other, embodied the spirit of the Italian
Renaissance."
Irish Examiner
"Antonio Forcellino has now celebrated Raphael's life and career
by writing this ebullient book, elegantly translated by Lucinda
Byatt ... [Forcellino] is ingenious and fastidious in describing
Raphael's works, and his book will give pleasure to those coming
to them for the first time; it even highlights a few things
connoisseurs may have missed."
Literary Review
"Written in a lively and entertaining style, ForcellinoÉ
demonstrates his skills as a passionate and consummate
storyteller revealing the life of a challenging and unique artist
who introduced a new conception of Renaissance art combining
sublimity and ity, within an Italian epoch of violence,
wealth and eroticism."
European Journal of History
"A detailed biography that explains Raphael's achievements during
his short life, while also showing how his social skills and
affable temperament helped him to advance his career ... This
informative book is also a rich treasury of information about the
artistic developments and techniques of the period."
Historical Novel Society
"Forcellino seeks to liberate his subject from later cultural and
art-historical associations. Challenging post-Romantic
conventions of the solitary genius, he presents Raphael as fully
engaged with his society: a man whose eroticism and talent for
friendship flowed naturally into his art ... Forcellino's Raphael
is a lover, not a fighter."
The Art Newspaper
"Written in his usual lively style, Forcellino's new book
combines fast-moving narrative, a vivid portrait of Raphael the
man, and a perceptive analysis of his art."
Peter Burke, University of Cambridge
"The last century saw the development of the legend that depicts
the life of the artist as one of torment and desperation: Raphael
demolishes every trace of this romantic myth and demonstrates on
the contrary that it is in fact complete happiness and the
gratification of desires that can lead to the conquering of the
highest peaks of creativity."
Corriere della Sera
"Beyond simply recounting the biographical journey, Antonio
Forcellino also seamlessly incorporates analyses of Raphael's
works in this lively study. Painter, architect, set designer: all
facets of Raphael are discussed with the consummate art of the
storyteller."
Tout pour les femmes
About the Author
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Antonio Forcellino is one of the world s leading
authorities on Michelangelo and an expert art historian and
restorer. He has been involved in the restoration of numerous
masterpieces, including Michelangelo s Moses.