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| Mutual Learning of Civilizations Between Chinese Silk and Michelangelo's Poetry and Painting |
| Ying Yiwen |
| School of International Communications and Education, Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310018, China |
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Abstract Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) is universally known to us through more than three hundred poems and classical arts. His poems express the spiritual qualities of the “spring silkworm”, which visually recur in his paintings. His poetry and paintings are intertextual and full of inner spiritual beauty.The origination of silk was in China. Chinese silk was widely cherished in Europe, West Asia and the Silk Road related regions. There were many Chinese ancient books and records of international communications since the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Pei Ju once wrote a book entitled Xiyu Tuji (《西域图记》) in the Sui Dynasty. Du Huan wrote his book entitled Jingxing Ji (《经行记》) and Du You wrote the book entitled Tong Dian (《通典》) in the Tang Dynasty. Later, more Chinese books put down in writing the contents of international communications from these books such as Sui Shu (《隋书》) and Xin Tang Shu (《新唐书》) and so on. In the Tang Dynasty, the famous painter Zhang Xuan’s artwork entitled Daolian Tu (《捣练图》) exhibited the process of silk weaving. Before the invention of Chinese paper-making, classical calligraphy and painting were created on silk scroll. Chinese silk contains the essence of Chinese culture.Chinese silk has a great reputation overseas. Marco Polo (1254-1324) lived in China for 16 years in the late 13th Century. The scholar John Larner wrote down what Marco Polo saw of the Chinese people wearing silk clothes in Marco Polo and the Discovery of the World. The scholar John Riddle’s book titled Marco Polo: 13th-Century Italian Trader also recorded that Marco Polo saw many Chinese wearing silk clothes in the late 13th Century. Professor Jerry Brotton wrote the book titled The Renaissance Bazaar: From the Silk Road to Michelangelo. In his book, Brotton put down in writing the history of early silk trade between China and Italy. Silk trade brought the Chinese culture of silk to the world and had a wide influence of cultural communications on ancient silk road.John Frederick Nims translated The Complete Poems of Michelangelo and wrote that Michelangelo’s family started out in the textile industry. This was why Michelangelo had a special preference for silk culture. In 1557, silk was mentioned many times in Michelangelo’s letters to his nephew Lionardo di Buonarroto Simoni. This is the first evidence that Michelangelo’s poetry and painting could have a close relationship with Chinese silk. Silk culture and its connotation of the spring silkworm could be integrated into Michelangelo’s poetry, painting and sculpture, which could be in harmony with his artistic pursuits, ideas and beliefs. In Sonnet 94, Michelangelo wrote “D’altrui pietoso e sol di sé spietato”and used some metaphors and writing techniques. He mocked himself for being humble. It was a metaphor for the poet’s lofty ambition to bring light and willing of contribution. Li Shangyin of Tang Dynasty wrote down the verse as follows: “Till the end of life a silkworm keeps spinning silk. Till burning itself out a candle goes on lighting us.” A comparison between Li Shangyin and Michelangelo’s poetry and painting shows that they have the same theme on the same kind of silkworm in their poetry. Their poems express common cultural images, poetic allegories and resonant thoughts and feelings.In ancient Rome, a popular style of clothes was heavy toga. The Last Judgment once again metaphorized Michelangelo as a spring silkworm. The spring silkworm is not beautiful in appearance, however, its life of self-sacrifice for others embodies the spirit of endurance, perseverance and dedication. According to the Sistine Chapel Ceiling, the main character in the painting wore a long silk scarf, which would be a close-up depiction of silk texture. In Michelangelo’s painting, the toga of the main character could show light and a transparent effect. This is not only a toga made of silk, but also it shows the most typical feature of silk.Michelangelo’s poetic imagery and painting images reflect each other. His poetry embodies his core spirit of arts. The introduction of Chinese silk to Italy became an Oriental fashion that could express one kind of common desire for a better life. Chinese silk culture has extensive knowledge and profound scholarship. Silk influence and communications between Italian and Chinese cultures have far-reaching significance during the Italian Renaissance. Human civilization has written a glorious course of symbiosis and peace through communication and mutual appreciation.
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Received: 03 May 2022
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2022, Vol. 52 
