Title: The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini
Author: Benvenuto Cellini
First published January 1, 1558
496 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140447187 (ISBN10: 0140447180)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini by Benvenuto Cellini offers a fascinating insight into the life of a remarkable Renaissance artist. Known for his exceptional skills in sculpture and goldsmithing, Cellini’s life was filled with controversy and adventure.
From being persecuted by the papal court to receiving adulation from royalty, Cellini’s life was a rollercoaster ride. His autobiography is a testament to the manners and morals of the rulers and their subjects of sixteenth-century Florence, Rome, and Paris.
Filled with invective and humor, this book will take you on a journey through the palaces and prisons of Italy during the time of Michelangelo and the Medici.
About the Author
Benvenuto Cellini was a famous Italian artist and goldsmith who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born in Florence in 1500 and was known for his exceptional skill in creating intricate and detailed sculptures and jewelry.
Despite being well-known for his artistic abilities, Cellini was also involved in numerous scandals throughout his life. He was known for having a fiery temper and getting into frequent arguments and physical altercations with other people.
In fact, he once killed a man in a street brawl and was forced to flee from Rome to avoid punishment.
Despite his troubled past, Cellini’s artistic legacy remains a testament to his talent and dedication. His works can be found in museums and private collections around the world, and his influence on art and design continues to be felt to this day.
Editoral Review
The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini by Benvenuto Cellini is a classic work of literature that tells the life story of one of the most renowned Italian artists of the Renaissance period. First published on January 1, 1558, this book provides a remarkable insight into the life and times of Cellini, an accomplished goldsmith and sculptor whose work has continued to inspire and fascinate generations of artists.
In this autobiographical work, Cellini uses his own life experiences to provide a unique perspective on the political and social happenings of Italy during the Renaissance period. The book is divided into several chapters that detail his life from his early days as an apprentice in Florence to his encounters with some of the most powerful figures of his time.
The author expresses his views on art, religion, literature, and society, using his experiences to highlight his opinions. The writing style of Cellini is both captivating and engaging.
He has a gift for making his prose come to life, using vivid descriptions and detailed accounts of events to take readers on a journey through his life. His work is a masterpiece of storytelling and provides valuable insights into the culture and politics of his time.
One of the strengths of the book is the character of Cellini himself. The author presents himself as a larger-than-life figure, full of bravado and self-assurance, but also flawed and often at odds with the world around him.
He has an eye for beauty and is passionately committed to his art, yet is also deeply affected by the social and political events of his time. By presenting himself in this complex and multifaceted way, the author draws the reader into his world and invites us to reflect on our own lives and actions.
Another strength of the book is its historical and cultural significance. Cellini’s work is an invaluable source of information on 16th-century Italy, providing a detailed account of the artistic and intellectual flowering of the Renaissance.
It is also an important document of Italian literature, offering a unique perspective on the cultural issues of his time. Despite its many strengths, some readers may find that the book’s pacing is slow at times.
The structure of the work is often loose and at times disjointed, with the author sometimes deviating from the main storyline to provide side notes and asides that can be distracting. However, these flaws are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the work.
Overall, The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini is a must-read for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in the cultural and intellectual life of the Renaissance period. It is a masterful work of literature that provides valuable insights into the mind of one of the great artistic geniuses of his time.
Highly recommended.
