DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.51585#0063
MICHAEL ANGELO.
59
and consummate skill in contrivance, which fills
the contemplative mind, and leads it irresistibly
from the created up to the Creator.
As our subject is painting, not architecture, we
shall not dwell much on this period of the life of
Michael Angelo. In the year 1544, being then in
his seventy-second year, he was appointed to the
office of chief architect of St. Peter’s by Pope Paul
III., and he continued to discharge it through the
pontificates of Julius III., Pius IV., and Pius V.
He accepted the office with reluctance, pleading
his great age and the obstacles and difficulties he
was likely to meet with from the jealousies and
intrigues of his rivals and the ignorance and inter-
meddling of the pope’s officials. He solemnly
called heaven to witness that it was only from a
deep sense of duty that he yielded to the pope’s
wishes ; and he proved that this was no empty pro-
fession by constantly refusing any salary or remu-
neration. Notwithstanding the difficulties he en-
countered, the provocations and the disgusts most
intolerable to his haughty and impatient spirit, he
held on his way with a stern perseverance till he
had seen his great designs so far carried out that
they could not be wholly abandoned or perverted
by his successors.’*
* This, however, applies only to the stupendous dome:
his design for the fagade, and even the original form of the
church, having been subsequently altered.
59
and consummate skill in contrivance, which fills
the contemplative mind, and leads it irresistibly
from the created up to the Creator.
As our subject is painting, not architecture, we
shall not dwell much on this period of the life of
Michael Angelo. In the year 1544, being then in
his seventy-second year, he was appointed to the
office of chief architect of St. Peter’s by Pope Paul
III., and he continued to discharge it through the
pontificates of Julius III., Pius IV., and Pius V.
He accepted the office with reluctance, pleading
his great age and the obstacles and difficulties he
was likely to meet with from the jealousies and
intrigues of his rivals and the ignorance and inter-
meddling of the pope’s officials. He solemnly
called heaven to witness that it was only from a
deep sense of duty that he yielded to the pope’s
wishes ; and he proved that this was no empty pro-
fession by constantly refusing any salary or remu-
neration. Notwithstanding the difficulties he en-
countered, the provocations and the disgusts most
intolerable to his haughty and impatient spirit, he
held on his way with a stern perseverance till he
had seen his great designs so far carried out that
they could not be wholly abandoned or perverted
by his successors.’*
* This, however, applies only to the stupendous dome:
his design for the fagade, and even the original form of the
church, having been subsequently altered.