Faced with an unforgiving lump of marble, the 80-year-old Michelangelo sent more splinters soaring (and at three times the speed) than three robust stone cutters could produce. Mad with loneliness (his lover, Vittoria Colonna, closest friend, Luigi del Riccio, and lifetime servant, Urbino, were all d

Anxiety, Dramatic, Ecstatic, Intense, Renaissance art, Tragic, Visceral

Architecture is an art form that is heavily inspired by theory -- the production of pieces so monumental and visible is understandably self-conscious. Some architects, however, transcend impersonal theory and create from their own history, spirit, and pleasure. Carlo Scarpa was such a visionary; he c

Bright, Charming, Dramatic, Layered

Philippe Starck appears to be something of a wunderkind in the design world -- many see his persona as a combination of the outrageous "bad boy" and the traditional French "je ne sais quoi." In fact, his foray into the world of design stems from somewhat dark, existential roots. As the story goes,

Biomorphic, Dramatic, Joyful, Late modern, Monochromatic, Sensual, Spiritual