Temple University hosted a lecture this week by noted art historian, author and lecturer, John T. Spike. He is best known for his knowledge of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art. He is also an important critic of contemporary art and directed the Biennial of Florence.
This following description for the Caravaggio/Shakespeare talk comes from Dr. Spike's website where information on other lectures and his books can be found.
"Ten years before Shakespeare invented Hamlet, Caravaggio painted Saint Francis in solitary dialogue with a skull. John Spike's innovative lecture compares works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) and William Shakespeare (1564-1616), offering lively evidence of the convergences between these contemporaries and the cultural currents of the early modern age."
As you can see from the image above, the audience was engaged and had a number of good questions for Dr. Spike. To find out if John will be presenting one of his topics in your city check this link for his schedule. The next area lecture and book signing will be held at the following locations.
Tenafly, NJ
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
"Michelangelo: In the Beginning"
book signing:
Young Michelangelo: the Path to the Sistine
November 10, 2010, 4:30 pm
Hamilton, NY
Colgate University
Little Hall, Golden Auditorium
Eric Ryan Memorial Lecture
"Caravaggio's Optics"
