Summary of Ross King's Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Michelangelo was summoned back to Rome in April 1508 to resume work on the tomb of Pope Julius II, which was supposed to be the most beautiful work of marble in Rome. However, he had been brought back to Florence to complete another statue. #2 The Pope wanted Michelangelo to sculpt his tomb, and he sent him to Rome to do so. The tomb was to be the largest since the mausoleums built for Roman emperors such as Hadrian and Augustus. #3 By 1505, the walls of St. Peter’s were leaning six feet out of true. Julius decided to have the basilica demolished and a new one built in its place. The destruction of the oldest and holiest church in Christendom had begun by the time Michelangelo returned from Carrara. #4 The Pope’s official architect, Giuliano da Sangallo, designed the new basilica. He had also repaired Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's most ancient churches, and gilded its ceiling with what was said to be the first gold ever brought back from the New World.