The Two Michelangelos

Michelangelo was the given name not only of the Florentine sculptor, but also of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, commonly called by reference to his hometown. In this book, author Bette Talvacchia explores the significant, but little-discussed, connection between the 'two Michelangelos.' She exposes the dynamic relationship between their work through looking at the ways in which Caravaggio creatively responded to the art of his namesake from the start of his youthful arrival in Rome. In addition, she suggests how Michelangelo's overwhelming achievement was a model that helped to drive the young Caravaggio's powerful ambition and shape his identity as an artist. With lucid and intelligent prose, this fascinating book sheds light on the similar 'artistic temperament' constructed in the biographies of each artist--glorifying their rebellious, anti-social behaviour and uncompromising artistic principles--examined both in its historical and contemporary configurations.