M : The Man Who Became Caravaggio

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M for Mystified, 2008-09-27
M takes you into political intrigue, a Machavillian world where art and money and power and murder combine to make an interesting read. Caravaggio was and remains one of few artists who brings to life his subjects, from the poor, the criminal to the sinful. Robb's book shows that M stands for modernity of Caravaggio's works; M stands for the magic touch in Robb's pen; and M stands for the Macabre in Caravaggio's world. However, whether M stands for Michelangelo Merisi in this book is debateable. Robb has written a book shrouded in mystery, lunacy and darkness of Caravaggio's time, but it seems he may also have shrouded the man himself.

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Fascinating and Thorough, But Difficult to Read at Times, 2008-05-27
I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is an unnecessarily difficult book to read because of the author's wording and grammar. Yes, it needs a strong editor to straighten it out a bit. In spite of that shortcoming, Robb loves and respects his subject. He has clearly done a tremendous amount of research, even if the net result is that he has to do a lot of speculating. However, for me, (unlike for some other reviewers) Robb made it clear enough when he was speculating, and when he was stating what is generally accepted scholarly knowledge.

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Beer... Not Barolo , 2008-03-15
This book is a popular romp, missing, obfuscating or ignoring the academic rigor and elegance of authors such as Puglisi, Spike and others... you can feel it reaching for a movie option. However, Robb provides one genuinely delightful contribution, his vivid descriptions of the paintings themselves. Having had the advantage of reading this book while living in Rome, I was able to literally take it in hand to many of the paintings, think through Robb's observations. One may not agree with what he says about the works. But reading his observations, then rendering your own, is a splendid exercise. It really needs to be read with Puglisi's book or another good set of illustrations on your lap, to compare his viewpoint with the reality of the paintings. As for his grammar-- well, let's just say it's idiosyncratic, but not without some charm. In sum, it's sloppy but truly entertaining...like drinking pub beer as compared to Puglisi's complex and satisfying Barolo. And beer is just the right choice, sometimes.

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M: The Man Who Became Caravaggio, 2008-02-05
M: The Man Who Became Caravaggio is nothing short of brilliant. A complete and exhaustive study of one of the greatest painters to have ever lived. If art or history interest you Peter Robb's book will be a treasured read. From the papal and intolerant church's influence on art - religious propaganda - to how people really lived this books paints a realist picture of Caravaggio's times. Peter Robb documents Caravaggio's patronage struggles, brothels and prostitutes as artist's models of Virgin Marys and church outrage, to deadly sword fights and Caravaggio's flight from prosecution, a vivid picture is presented, drawn from art reviews of the times (1595-1610) estate disbursement records, police and court records Robb documents Caravaggio's life and times in vivid detail. br / br /Caravaggio was the original Bad Boy of the art scene and Peter Robb's 20 year investigation and study of the works is superb. A second book, "Caravaggio, The Complete Works," Barnes Noble, is a most helpful companion book to view all the paintings written about in Robb's book. Together they make a complete study of perhaps the most brilliant painter to have ever lived.

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'M is the name of an enigma.', 2008-01-12
As written by Peter Robb, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (born 1571, died 1610) is indeed an enigma. The man who became the painter is complex, moody, vulnerable and opportunistic. br / br /Caravaggio (or M as Mr Robb styles him) was an extraordinarily gifted artist. Readers should be aware that there are a number of different interpretations of aspects of Caravaggio's life and the account written by Mr Robb is by no means uncontested. br / br /This book is primarily about the man and while it describes his art (and includes photographs and a list of paintings) it is about the art in the life of the man rather than the art itself. Readers who want to know more about the world in which Caravaggio painted, and especially those who need more information of some of the religious context and significance would be advised to consult other sources. br / br /While I enjoyed this book I have two criticisms: more judicious editing would have resulted in a neater, more elegant presentation; and the balance between known fact and possible interpretation is not always clear. However, as an interpretation of a complex life it breathes life into the man. In my case, it made me interested enough to explore more about the man and his paintings. br / br /Jennifer Cameron-Smith br /