Robert Browning – Andrea del Sarto
Andrea del Sarto (1855) is one of the finest dramatic monologues by Robert Browning. Set in Renaissance Italy, the poem presents the inner conflict of the painter Andrea del Sarto as he speaks to his wife, Lucrezia.
Through Andrea’s self-revelation, Browning explores the relationship between artistic perfection, moral weakness, ambition, and failure.
Background of the Poem
Andrea del Sarto was a historical Italian Renaissance painter, often called the “faultless painter” because of his technical perfection.
Despite his artistic skill, Andrea failed to achieve greatness due to:
- lack of ambition
- moral weakness
- excessive devotion to his wife
Browning uses Andrea’s life to explore the idea that technical perfection alone cannot produce greatness.
Central Idea
The poem examines:
- the difference between skill and greatness
- the conflict between art and life
- the consequences of moral compromise
Andrea’s tragedy lies in his inability to rise above mediocrity despite immense talent.
Nature of the Dramatic Monologue
The poem is a dramatic monologue because:
- only Andrea speaks
- Lucrezia remains silent
- the speaker unconsciously reveals his character
Andrea’s speech exposes his self-justification, resignation, and emotional dependence.
Summary of the Poem
1. Opening Scene
Andrea asks Lucrezia to sit beside him and listen quietly. He seeks emotional comfort rather than confrontation.
This immediately reveals his submissive nature.
2. Andrea’s Artistic Pride
Andrea boasts of his technical perfection in painting. He claims his work has no flaws in:
- line
- colour
- composition
Yet, he admits his paintings lack the spiritual greatness of artists like:
- Michelangelo
- Raphael
Perfection without aspiration leads to artistic limitation.
3. Contrast with Great Artists
Andrea recognises that great artists aim beyond technical accuracy. They strive for:
- moral intensity
- spiritual depth
- visionary purpose
Andrea admits he chose comfort over struggle.
4. Role of Lucrezia
Lucrezia represents temptation and moral weakness. Andrea sacrificed:
- royal patronage
- professional honour
- artistic growth
to satisfy her demands.
Andrea blames Lucrezia but never fully accepts responsibility.
5. Acceptance of Failure
Andrea resigns himself to his fate. He accepts mediocrity in life, though he hopes for spiritual redemption after death.
The poem ends with quiet despair rather than rebellion.
Major Themes
- Art vs Morality – skill without ethical strength
- Failure of Will – lack of ambition
- Self-Justification – rationalising failure
- Human Weakness – emotional dependence
- Greatness vs Perfection – vision matters more than technique
Character of Andrea
- technically brilliant
- emotionally weak
- introspective
- self-pitying
- resigned
Andrea is tragic not because he lacks talent, but because he lacks courage.
Style and Technique
- dramatic monologue
- blank verse
- psychological realism
- ironic self-revelation
Browning allows the character to judge himself through his own words.
Critical Appreciation
- The poem presents a complex psychological portrait.
- Browning avoids moral preaching.
- The irony lies in Andrea’s awareness without action.
- The poem questions the value of comfort over greatness.
Significance of the Poem
- classic example of Browning’s dramatic monologue
- explores Renaissance art and ethics
- examines universal human failure
- deeply philosophical and psychological
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | Robert Browning |
| Poem | Andrea del Sarto |
| Form | Dramatic monologue |
| Speaker | Andrea del Sarto |
| Main Conflict | Skill vs greatness |
| Setting | Renaissance Italy |
| Theme Focus | Moral weakness limits genius |
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