Michelangelo’s Tomb for Julius II: Genesis and Genius

Christoph Luitpold FrommelWith contributions by Claudia Echinger-Maurach, Antonio Forcellino, and Maria Forcellino
 In 1505, Michelangelo (1475–1564) began planning the magnificent tomb for Pope Julius II, which would dominate the next forty years of his career. Repeated failures to complete the monument were characterized by Condivi, Michelangelo’s authorized biographer, as “the tragedy of the tomb.” This definitive book thoroughly documents the art of the tomb and each stage of its complicated evolution. Authored by Christoph Luitpold Frommel, who also acted as the lead consultant on the recent restoration campaign, this volume offers new post-restoration photography that reveals the beauty of the tomb overall, its individual statues, and its myriad details. This book traces Michelangelo’s stylistic development; documents the dialogue between the artist and his great friend and exacting patron Pope Julius II; unravels the complicated relationship between the master and his assistant