In the context of Bacchus (Michelangelo), discuss the Letters to his father of the History.
During the finishing process of Bacchus, Michelangelo sent letters to his father through the following years. The letters that he writes discusses the Cardinal, who refused to accept the newly made Bacchus. The tone of the letters show that Michelangelo and his father have a difficult relationship.
July 1, 1497Do not be astonished that I have not come back, because I have not yet been able to work out my affairs with the Cardinal, and don't want to leave if I haven't been satisfied and reimbursed for my labor first; with these great personages one has to go slow, since they can't be pushed...August 19I undertook to do a figure for Piero de’ Medici and bought marble, and then never began it, because he hasn't done as he promised me. So I'm working on my own and doing a figure for my own pleasure. I bought a piece of marble for five ducats, but it wasn't a good piece and the money was thrown away; then I bought another piece for another five ducats, and this I'm working for my own pleasure. So you must realize that I, too have expenses and troubles...1509...for twelve years now I have gone about all over Italy, leading a miserable life; I have borne every kind of humiliation, suffered every kind of hardship, worn myself to the bone... solely to help my family...1512I live meanly...with the greatest toil and a thousand worries. It has been about fifteen years since I have had a happy hour; I have done everything to help you, and you have never recognized it or believed it. God pardon us all.
Michelangelo Italy Bacchus Medici Cardinal