All aspects and contexts considered, The Laurentian Library is an architectural (and artistic) work of genius, and I believe the Ricetto in particular (in its relation to and function as regards the transition to the reading room) to be a work of sculpture rivaling any of Michelangelo’s more “traditional” marble forms, or any other sculptural work, past and present. As I read more about Michelangelo’s work, and its interpretations through the ages I found myself both consistently drawn back to the Ricetto, and continuously awed and ever more fascinated by the room, and Michelangelo’s genius in executing it.

     It would be awesome if built from new foundations, yet Michelangelo designs and installs it above an existing two-story structure, over two separate levels, with minimal alteration to the same. Michelangelo embraces challenge, and his finished product is beyond success, and (as is typical of Michelangelo’s work) perhaps beyond complete understanding.

     This structure was a huge influence in Mannerist architecture. Michelangelo’s position as the archetypal Renaissance man is complemented by his pioneering maniera, an impassioned and highly personal and innovative style that changed art in his own lifetime, and forever. His complete reworking of classical architectural elements on the walls of the Ricetto, and the contradictory/complementery effect of his staircase (an incredible work of sculpture in itself), both on each other and on the mood of the reading room is somewhat overwhelming to contemplate. The effect on the very psychology of the viewer, and the viewer’s double role as observer and participant, and the powerful experience invoked is something rarely (if ever) achieved by artists today. That Michelangelo was a deeply religious man, and yet this structure, set in an ecclesiastical complex, is composed almost exclusively of secular forms, is another fascinating aspect. Not to mention (well ok, I am mentioning it) that he worked on this while also working on the Medici Tomb and the Last Judgement of the Sistine (among other projects). The cumulative effect of reading about Michelangelo this semester has been somewhat staggering to myself. It has been (an “awesome”) personal pleasure to learn about the unparalleled accomplishments, works, and genius of Michelangelo Bounarroti.