Andrea del Sarto | Robert Browning | Study Guide

Author: Robert Browning

 

Year: 1855

 

Type: Poem

 

Genre: Dramatic monologue

 

About Title:

"Andrea del Sarto" is a poem by Robert Browning, published in his collection "Men and Women" in 1855. It portrays the life and artistic struggles of the Italian Renaissance painter Andrea del Sarto.

 

Characters:

Andrea del Sarto: The narrator of the poem, a talented but ultimately unsuccessful Renaissance painter.

Lucrezia: Andrea's wife, who is depicted as materialistic and unsupportive of his artistic ambitions.

Summary:

"Andrea del Sarto" is a dramatic monologue poem written by Robert Browning, first published in 1855 as part of his collection "Men and Women." The poem is named after the Italian Renaissance painter Andrea del Sarto, who was known for his skillful technique but lacked the creative genius of some of his contemporaries.

In the poem, Andrea del Sarto himself speaks, addressing his wife, Lucrezia, as he reflects on his life and career as an artist. Andrea acknowledges his technical prowess as a painter but expresses frustration and regret over his lack of originality and ambition.

Throughout the poem, Andrea contrasts himself with his more famous contemporaries, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, whom he admires but feels inferior to. He laments his inability to fulfill his artistic potential, blaming his wife's lack of faith in him and his own complacency for his mediocrity.

Despite his frustrations, Andrea remains resigned to his fate, acknowledging that he will never achieve greatness as an artist. He finds solace in his love for Lucrezia, whom he sees as his muse and inspiration, but also acknowledges the limitations of their relationship.

"Andrea del Sarto" is a poignant exploration of themes such as artistic ambition, creative frustration, and the tension between artistic success and personal fulfillment. Browning's use of dramatic monologue allows readers to enter into the psyche of the artist and empathize with his struggles and regrets.

 

Symbols:

Painting: Symbolizes artistic expression, creativity, and the pursuit of perfection.

Lucrezia: Represents worldly desires, materialism, and the distractions that hinder Andrea's artistic vision and ambition.

Themes:

Art and Creativity: Explores the nature of artistic inspiration and the struggle to achieve artistic greatness.

Love and Marriage: Examines the complexities of love and marriage, as well as the sacrifices and compromises that can hinder personal and artistic fulfillment.

Ambition and Failure: Reflects on the tension between ambition and achievement, as Andrea grapples with his unrealized artistic potential and the limitations imposed by his personal life.

Self-awareness and Reflection: Considers the importance of self-awareness and introspection in recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the consequences of compromising one's artistic integrity for the sake of personal relationships.

Overall Discussion:

"Andrea del Sarto" is a compelling exploration of the intersection between art, love, and personal ambition. Through its introspective and introspective language, Browning invites readers to contemplate the struggles and sacrifices faced by artists in pursuit of their craft, as well as the complexities of human relationships and the compromises that can hinder personal and artistic fulfillment. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of artistic greatness and the timeless themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.