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bobf2d33's review against another edition
4.0
It was a nice, accessible art history book. Easy to read. Obviously was about Leonardo and Michaelangelo. The title is a little hyperbolic. They were two artists with different styles and approaches but not mortal enemies as the title would imply.
socraticgadfly's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting take on "battles" Leonardo and Michelangelo had, especially a duel where both were commissioned to paint murals for the Great Hall of Florence, inspiring citizens of the Republic to more martial devotion to the city.
I do think Jones may overstate the case about how much enmity the two felt toward each other, but I'm not sure. I do think that, in general, he reads himself into the history a lot. (Though I did find the sections on Machiavelli interesting.)
That said, while it's arguable (though by no means certain, I actually think not) that Michelangelo was the better artist, or artisan, this book reaffirmed that, for me, there's no question who the deeper thinker was.
I do think Jones may overstate the case about how much enmity the two felt toward each other, but I'm not sure. I do think that, in general, he reads himself into the history a lot. (Though I did find the sections on Machiavelli interesting.)
That said, while it's arguable (though by no means certain, I actually think not) that Michelangelo was the better artist, or artisan, this book reaffirmed that, for me, there's no question who the deeper thinker was.
sarah2696's review against another edition
5.0
"You don't need to chip away at Vasari's frescoes to see The Battle of Anghiari. It's shadows are eternal, it's truth as old and as new as human folly. Switch off the latest barbarisms on the television news, close your eyes and it will come to you." -
This book contains very little of the actual paintings themselves and much more background. However, in all the books I have read about Leonardo, never have I read one that is able to encapsulate the relationship between Da Vinci and Michelangelo so wonderfully. Jones is able to give them emotions and depth and make them so much more than two historical figures that didn't really like each other. He adds shadows and context and although I picked this book up expecting a narrative of the paintings in the Great Hall, I was met with something quite different.
This book contains very little of the actual paintings themselves and much more background. However, in all the books I have read about Leonardo, never have I read one that is able to encapsulate the relationship between Da Vinci and Michelangelo so wonderfully. Jones is able to give them emotions and depth and make them so much more than two historical figures that didn't really like each other. He adds shadows and context and although I picked this book up expecting a narrative of the paintings in the Great Hall, I was met with something quite different.
raphae11e's review
5.0
As a huge art history buff I really loved this book; in my opinion it's one of the few books I've read that talks about these two artists (especialy Leonardo) in a very real, human way. It was interesting to read and, though I'm incredibly biased towards Leonardo, I learned a lot about Michelangelo and have come to appreciate his work more.
To give some criticism of this book: the author tries much too hard to make connections between every one of Leonardo's and Michelangelo's pieces. Comparing their work and seeing how it differed or contrasted is one thing, but making the claim that every piece that each of them made was meant to directly attack the other's work is far-fetched. The author also makes assumptions about the two artists' lives, which could be confusing at times, but I managed to look past it.
I can see why some people are not a fan of this book because of the author's sort of..... authoritative writing style, like he has all the answers. I still definitely recommend it if you have any interest in art history, especially in the Renaissance period.
To give some criticism of this book: the author tries much too hard to make connections between every one of Leonardo's and Michelangelo's pieces. Comparing their work and seeing how it differed or contrasted is one thing, but making the claim that every piece that each of them made was meant to directly attack the other's work is far-fetched. The author also makes assumptions about the two artists' lives, which could be confusing at times, but I managed to look past it.
I can see why some people are not a fan of this book because of the author's sort of..... authoritative writing style, like he has all the answers. I still definitely recommend it if you have any interest in art history, especially in the Renaissance period.
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