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

by Tamara Smithers

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032310480
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/26/2024
Series:	Visual Culture in Early Modernity
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Tamara Smithers is Professor of Art History at Austin Peay State University, USA.

Table of Contents

1. From making one’s mark to artistic apotheosis 2. Antecedents: Artist tombs before Raphael 3. Raphael as artifex divinus: Entombment and disciples 4. Michelangelo’s scrittura from beginning to end 5. Sixteenth-century self-made memorials 6. Mourning Michelangelo 7 Brotherhood and burial 8. The longue durée