Fellow Italians.
As an art lover, I urge you to follow my advice.
I am still peeved that many of you ignore the works of the Italian Leonardo da Vinci. His fresco, "Last Supper," completed in 1498, adorns the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Alas, Leonardo passed from this earth in 1519 having turned away from painting to follow scientific pursuits.
Now I draw your attention to another prolific artist who deserves notice. Buonarroti Michelangelo is responsible for the beautiful "Pieta" in Florence. It is a sculpture of great emothion depicting the lamentation of Christ. His work is stone is magnificent, and you may have heard of his interpretation of "David" as well, completed in 1504.
Interestingly, this artist works in many media -- you might call him a true Renaissance man.
Check out the frescoes commissioned in 1508 by Pope Julius II in Rome. They were completed in 1512 and are inside a chapel -- Sistine, I believe it is called. Among the highest panels is the "Creation of Adam," which brings the Book of Genesis to life in great detail. You won't be disappointed.
I find his work much fresher than that of his great rival Raphael, although they both seem to have been given equal commission from Pope Julius.
I hope you will be able to see the work of this artist and his compatriots, who I am sure will give the art of this time its rightful place in history.
Sincerely,
Sandra Kleinsasser, Art Critic
