Michelangelo’s Marble Blog: Epigraphic Walls as Pictures and Samples of Language (Chapter 17)

Epigraphic walls, particularly those installed by Michelangelo at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, played a pivotal role in establishing a European trend that blended archival inscriptions with visual storytelling. While not directly linked to Michelangelo's other works, these walls—comprising plaques like the fasti (annual lists)—became foundational in how language and history were visually represented in public spaces. The study highlights their dual function as both historical records and artistic expressions, influencing contemporary art practices that similarly use quotational structures. By analyzing these walls, researchers reveal a unique intersection of archival preservation, epigraphic culture, and audience engagement, demonstrating how such installations define cultural narratives across time.

McMahon, K. (2015). 17 Michelangelo’s Marble Blog: Epigraphic Walls as Pictures and Samples of Language. Ancient Documents and Their Contexts, 283–305. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004273870_019