It's an interesting coincidence that this episode of "Secrets of the Dead" arrived today, as I just got back from Rome and Florence and saw many of Michelangelo's greatest creations--such as the ceiling and alter of the Sistine Chapel and his great Pietàs in St. Peter's and in Florence.
Here in "Michelangelo Revealed" the program looks at the POSSIBILITY that Michelangelo was secretly in league with Church reformers--reformers who ultimately defeated by the forces of Counter-Reformation and the Inquisition. Learning about some of Michelangelo's friends was interesting and I enjoyed seeing the many works of the great artist in the show. HOWEVER, many, many times, the narrator made assumptions--assuming what Michelangelo was thinking or implying in his art. And, considering that the show admits that the man burned nearly all his writings, there is absolutely no way to substantiate all these guesses--guesses which the show presents more like facts. As for me, I would have MUCH preferred a straight biography of the man--a discussion of all of his likes, actions and achievements.
Here in "Michelangelo Revealed" the program looks at the POSSIBILITY that Michelangelo was secretly in league with Church reformers--reformers who ultimately defeated by the forces of Counter-Reformation and the Inquisition. Learning about some of Michelangelo's friends was interesting and I enjoyed seeing the many works of the great artist in the show. HOWEVER, many, many times, the narrator made assumptions--assuming what Michelangelo was thinking or implying in his art. And, considering that the show admits that the man burned nearly all his writings, there is absolutely no way to substantiate all these guesses--guesses which the show presents more like facts. As for me, I would have MUCH preferred a straight biography of the man--a discussion of all of his likes, actions and achievements.
