Classical Aegis Profile picture
Oct 30, 2023 11 tweets 13 min read Read on X
A 🧵 Image
Michelangelo - was a master of the Renaissance era. He was born in 1475 and displayed an early aptitude for art. Legend has it that at just 13 years old, he began sculpting under the tutelage of Lorenzo de Medici, the legendary ruler of Florence.

Michelangelo's talent soon gained him recognition across Italy. His monumental sculpture, "David," carved from a single block of marble, is considered a pinnacle of artistic achievement. Its completion in 1504 solidified his reputation as a consummate genius.

In 1508, he undertook another grand project: painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. This monumental endeavor took four years to complete. His masterpiece, depicting scenes from the Bible, showcased his extraordinary skill in capturing human anatomy and emotion.

Throughout his life, Michelangelo's artistry extended beyond sculpture and painting. He was an accomplished architect, designing the magnificent dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Despite his fame, Michelangelo remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He once said, "If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all." His legacy endures, inspiring artists and admirers for centuries, a testament to the enduring power of creativity and human potential.



Image
Image
Image
Image
William Shakespeare - an English playwright, poet, and actor is known for showcasing his profound insights into human nature and emotions. His impact on literature and theater remains unparalleled.

His works explore themes of love, power, jealousy, and the human condition with unparalleled depth, insight and mastery. He is hailed as the greatest writer in the history of the English language, and rightfully so.

His mastery of language, characterized by poetic verse and vivid imagery, revolutionized literature. He coined countless words and phrases still in use today such as:
"All that glitters is not gold" - From "The Merchant of Venice."
"Break the ice" - From "The Taming of the Shrew."
"Good riddance" - From "Troilus and Cressida."
"In a pickle" - From "The Tempest."
"Wild-goose chase" - From "Romeo and Juliet."

Despite his profound influence, he lived a relatively private life, leaving much of his personal history shrouded in mystery.

Shakespeare's impact extends far beyond the stage; his words resonate in literature, film, and everyday conversation. His legacy echoes a profound understanding of human nature, making him an immortal figure in the world of the arts.



Image
Image
Image
Image
Vitruvius - was a Roman architect, engineer, and writer. He is best known for his influential work "De Architectura," a comprehensive treatise on various aspects of architecture, engineering, and urban planning. This work still remains one of the most important sources of knowledge about Roman construction practices and architectural theory.

The Vitruvian Man is a famous drawing attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, and was inspired by Vitruvius's writings. Created around 1490, it is a representation of ideal human proportions inscribed within both a circle and a square, illustrating the concept of proportionality and symmetry in classical architecture.

Vitruvius outlined 3 fundamental principles of architecture:

Firmitas (Firmness): This principle emphasizes the structural stability and durability of a building. It involves the selection of appropriate materials and construction techniques to ensure that the structure can withstand environmental stresses and along with time.

Utilitas (Usefulness): This principle focuses on the functionality and practicality of a building. It involves designing spaces that are suited to their intended purpose, ensuring that they serve their occupants efficiently.

Venustas (Beauty): Also known as "Venus," this principle relates to the aesthetic qualities of a building. Vitruvius stressed the importance of creating structures that are visually pleasing and harmonious, considering proportions, ornamentation, and overall design.

Vitruvius' enduring influence lies in his systematic approach to architecture, which integrated technical knowledge with artistic and functional considerations, providing a lasting framework for architectural practice and theory for generations to come.



Image
Image
Image
Image
Ludwig van Beethoven - was a musical genius whose compositions revolutionized classical music. His early talent as a pianist and composer was evident from a young age. However, tragedy struck when he began to lose his hearing in his 20s, leading to deafness. Despite this immense obstacle, Beethoven continued to create some of the most iconic and emotionally powerful music in history.

His symphonies, including the triumphant 5th and the immortal 9th with its famous "Ode to Joy," are celebrated worldwide. His piano sonatas, like Moonlight and the Appassionata, showcase his mastery of the piano and deep emotional expression. He transcended classical norms, infusing his compositions with raw intensity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.

Beethoven's work marked a transition from the Classical to the Romantic era, influencing countless composers. His legacy continues through his enduring compositions, which continue to echo within the minds of audiences across generations, making Beethoven a towering figure in the annals of Western classical music.

Image
Image
Raphael Sanzio - a painter and architect of the High Renaissance, was born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Italy. His artistic prowess manifested at an early age, and by his teens, he was already a sought-after talent in the burgeoning art scene of Florence.

Raphael honed his skills and developed a distinctive style characterized by harmonious compositions and exquisite use of color. Raphael's body of works includes masterpieces such as "The School of Athens," a fresco that showcases his mastery of perspective and portrayal of intellectual pursuits.

His ability to infuse his subjects with emotional depth and humanity set him apart. His career flourished in the papal court of Julius II and Leo X, where he adorned the Vatican with frescoes, immortalizing his legacy.

Tragically, fate would take a sudden turn for Raphael. On April 6, 1520, his 37th birthday, he succumbed to an untimely death, possibly due to a fever exacerbated by overwork. This poetic alignment of birth and demise on the same day has enshrined his memory, highlighting the profound impact he had on the world of art.



Image
Image
Image
Image
Auguste Rodin - was a visionary French sculptor known for revolutionizing the art form. His works, such as The Thinker and The Kiss, are iconic representations of the human mind and emotion.

Rodin's mastery of texture and movement challenged traditional conventions, influencing generations of artists.

His creative process often involved manipulating clay directly with his hands, capturing raw, visceral expressions.

Rodin's genius gained widespread acclaim, earning him a place among the greats of Western art. His impact endures, and his sculptures are displayed in museums worldwide.



Image
Image
Image
Image
Geoffrey Chaucer - is often called the "Father of English Literature." His masterpiece, "The Canterbury Tales," is a collection of stories told by pilgrims on a journey, offering a vivid panoramic keyhole of observation into medieval society.

Chaucer's wit, humor, and keen observations of human nature have immortalized him as a literary pioneer and captured the essence of his time while influencing generations of writers.

His work not only reflects the social complexities of the Middle Ages but also showcases his impact on the evolution of the English language and storytelling traditions.



Image
Image
Image
Image
Hippodamus of Miletus - was a 5th-century BCE Greek architect and urban planner, who revolutionized city design by introducing a grid pattern layout, now known as the "Hippodamian plan."

He applied mathematical principles and considerations for civic functionality in his designs, aiming for organized and accessible urban spaces.

His innovative ideas influenced the planning of several ancient cities, such as Piraeus and Rhodes.

He also contributed to political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balanced governance.

His impact on urban planning has endured through centuries even up to the modern era.

Image
Image
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - was a Russian composer renowned for his rich and emotive music. He was born in Votkinsk, and displayed early musical talent and received formal training at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Tchaikovsky's compositions, including ballets like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and symphonies like Pathetique, reflect a harmonious blend of Western and Russian musical traditions.

Despite personal struggles, including a failed marriage, Tchaikovsky achieved international acclaim.

His works are characterized by melodic brilliance and emotional depth, and live on as staples in classical music, securing his legacy as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era.
Image
Rembrandt van Rijn - was a Dutch artist of the 17th century, and stands as a luminary in the realm of Baroque painting. He achieved unparalleled mastery in capturing the interplay of light and shadow, a technique that brought depth and emotion to his works known as chiaroscuro.

The Night Watch, one of his most iconic pieces, showcases his innovative use of chiaroscuro and dynamic composition.

He was renowned for his introspective and empathetic approach to portraiture, Rembrandt's canvases exude a unique humanism, unveiling the depth of his subjects' inner thoughts and emotions.

Despite financial struggles in his later years, Rembrandt's legacy echoes. His influence extends beyond his native Dutch Golden Age, resonating through centuries and inspiring generations of artists.



Image
Image
Image
Image

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Classical Aegis

Classical Aegis Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @ClassicalAegis

Jun 13
The original cancel culture didn’t dox you.

It burned you.

Stoned you.

Or worse...

Let’s check out history's first thought criminals: 🧵 The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David
While the term feels modern, the concept is ancient.

Societies have always found ways to silence, exile, or banish those who challenged norms, threatened authority, or simply made people uncomfortable... Image
Socrates (469-399 BC) – The Martyr of Free Thought

The most famous victim of ancient cancel culture.

Accused of "corrupting the youth" & "impiety," he was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock.

His real crime? Questioning Athenian democracy & elites. Image
Read 15 tweets
Jun 11
Leonardo da Vinci’s most ambitious project wasn’t a painting.

It was a horse.

So big it defied the limits of Renaissance engineering.

But fate had other plans...

Here’s the story of the rise, fall, and resurrection of the Sforza Horse: 🧵 Image
In 1482, Milan’s Duke Ludovico Sforza commissioned Leonardo to create the world’s largest equestrian statue.

- a monument to his father, Francesco Sforza.

The vision?

A bronze horse so massive it would dwarf anything seen before... Image
Leonardo, 30 at the time, saw this as his chance to cement his legacy.

He pitched himself as both artist and engineer.

- promising not just beauty...

- but technical marvels worthy of ancient Rome... Image
Read 21 tweets
Jun 9
This is the Shield of Achilles.

Forged by a God but wielded by a mortal, it is said that it contains the mysteries of the universe.

Let's uncover its secrets: 🧵 Image
First, some context:

The original armor was taken by Hector after he killed Patroclus.

Achilles' mother, the sea nymph Thetis, asked Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship, to forge new armor for her son... Image
Hephaestus created a magnificent shield.

It is described in detail over 130 lines in Book 18 of the Iliad.

This shield wasn't just a piece of armor... it was a microcosm of Greek life and the entire world as the Greeks understood it... Image
Read 17 tweets
Jun 3
Dreams aren’t random.

They are the engines of creation.

Thread🧵

1. Dmitri Mendeleev-

Mendeleev dreamt of a table where all the elements fell into place according to their properties.

Upon waking, he quickly wrote down what would become the Periodic Table. Image
Friedrich August Kekulé-

The structure of benzene eluded chemists until Kekulé dreamt of a snake biting its own tail

- a symbol that inspired the ring structure of benzene

It was a major leap forward in organic chemistry. Image
Mary Shelley-

At 18, Mary Shelley dreamt a vivid nightmare of a pale student kneeling beside the thing he had created

- a terrifying vision that became the foundation of her groundbreaking novel Frankenstein Image
Read 12 tweets
Jun 2
This is Hephaestus.

Discarded by his mother at birth.

And abandoned by the Gods.

It would turn into the greatest revenge story of all time ...🧵 Image
Hephaestus was the god of fire and craftsmanship.

But he had a rough start in life.

Born with a physical deformity, he was cast off Mount Olympus by his own mother, Hera, who was horrified by his appearance.

It would be a mistake that she would soon come to regret... Image
The fall off Mt. Olympus was brutal.

Hephaestus plummeted for an entire day before crash-landing on the island of Lemnos.

This traumatic event left him permanently injured.

- earning him the moniker "the limping god" Image
Read 17 tweets
Jun 1
Before they were stolen, burned, and forgotten — Raphael’s tapestries were one of the Vatican’s greatest treasures.

Let’s check out the story of the tapestries that once outshone the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.

(A thread)🧵 Image
In 1515, Pope Leo X commissioned Raphael to create designs for tapestries to adorn the walls of the Sistine Chapel.

- aiming to complement Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes... Image
But the tapestries which would later adorn the Sistine chapel were not made in Italy.

Raphael drew up the designs...

But they were actually made in Brussels, Belgium. Image
Read 11 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us!

:(