Summary of Robert Brownings Andrea Del Sarto

Andrea del Sarto" by Robert Browning 

"Andrea del Sarto" is a dramatic monologue in which the artist Andrea del Sarto himself speaks to the reader, sharing his thoughts and feelings about his life and art. Andrea del Sarto was a real historical figure, an Italian painter of the High Renaissance. The poem is set in the artist's studio and takes place during a moment of introspection.

The poem begins with Andrea describing his wife, Lucrezia, who is portrayed as a beautiful but materialistic woman. He reflects on how her desire for luxury and wealth has led him to compromise his artistic integrity. He refers to her as his "faultless wife," but his tone suggests that this is not meant to be taken literally; rather, it hints at his inner conflict and his recognition of her influence over him.

Andrea del Sarto expresses his awareness that he is not on par with other great artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. He acknowledges his technical skills and his ability to replicate their works, but he feels that he lacks the divine inspiration that made their art truly exceptional. He envies their ability to capture a sense of the divine in their work, while he is left with mere technical perfection.

Throughout the monologue, Andrea reflects on his artistic ambitions and his frustrations. He reminisces about his youth and his training in France, where he had dreams of achieving artistic greatness. However, his ambitions have been dampened by the practical concerns of life. He blames himself for settling for mediocrity due to his preoccupation with financial matters and his wife's materialistic desires.

Andrea describes his studio as a place of confinement, both physically and creatively. He feels trapped by his circumstances, unable to escape the compromises he has made. He compares his situation to a prison cell, emphasizing his sense of confinement and resignation.

Towards the end of the monologue, Andrea del Sarto acknowledges that he might have chosen a different path if given the chance to relive his life. He reflects on the compromises he has made, sacrificing his artistic ideals for the comfort and desires of his wife. He recognizes the loss of his artistic integrity and regrets not having pursued greatness with more determination.

In conclusion, "Andrea del Sarto" is a poem that explores themes of artistry, ambition, compromise, and regret. It delves into the internal struggle of an artist torn between his desire for greatness and his practical obligations. Through the monologue, Browning invites readers to reflect on the choices individuals make in pursuit of success, and the potential cost of compromising one's artistic vision for the sake of personal and societal pressures.