Michelangelo and Men: The Male Body in the Life and Work of Michelangelo

This book explores the male body in Michelangelo’s art and life, examining his anatomical mastery, classical influences, spiritual ideals, and personal admiration for youthful masculinity.

The male body plays a glorious leading role in the work of Michelangelo. Known for his strong and muscular nudes, his precise anatomical drawings and beautiful androgynous figures, it is well known that Michelangelo also expressed interest in the male body on a more personal level.

This book is the first to carefully explore the male body in the work and life of Michelangelo. Renowned art historians address the topic from different angles: from the influence of anatomical studies and Classical Antiquity on his work, his adoration of the body of Christ, his adherence to Neoplatonic ideas of perfection and beauty, to his personal preference for the young male body and the exceptional artworks this resulted in.

Klazina Botke is Guest Curator at Teylers Museum /Lecturer Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and specializes in Art Patronage in Florence (1500-1700) and Early Modern Prints and Drawings. Terry van Druten is Chief Curator of Art Collections at Teylers Museum in Haarlem, The Netherlands. Martin Gayford studied philosophy at Cambridge, and art history at the Courtauld Institute of London University. He has written prolifically about art and jazz, contributing regularly to the Daily Telegraph and also to many art magazines and exhibition catalogues. With text contributions by Michael Rocke, Jennifer Sliwka and Paul Joannides, amongst others.