Sonnets and Madrigals of Michelangelo Buonarroti

A collection of poetry that encompasses sonnets, epigrams, and madrigals, likely written in the 16th century. This work showcases Michelangelo not only as a renowned sculptor and painter but also as a profound poet, expressing emotions and meditations deeply tied to his experiences. The collection provides an intimate glimpse into his thoughts on love, beauty, and artistry, heavily influenced by his relationships and the cultural milieu of his time. The opening of the collection sets the stage for understanding Michelangelo's relationship with poetry, emphasizing his reluctance to define himself as a poet despite his prolific output. It describes his meticulous crafting of verses akin to his sculptural works, highlighting the deep emotional investment in his poetry. The introduction also contextualizes the collection historically, noting the initial neglect of his poetic works and the eventual recognition they received in the literary world, thus paving the way for readers to appreciate the richness of his lyrical expressions in love and artistic aspiration found within.