Art of the Italian Renaissance: Spine or cover with flaws

Author: Paretti
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: This is a book on the art history of Renaissance Italy. Unlike common art histories centered on individual artists, it elucidates the important relationship between social forces and art from perspectives often overlooked—such as the places where artists worked, the people and institutions they served, and the social expectations they engaged with. The author does not rigidly categorize art by medium but treats painting, sculpture, and architecture as complementary art forms, studying Italian art from a pan-Italian perspective between the 13th and 17th centuries through numerous illustrations. "In the Renaissance, the role of art was very important," the author writes. "Viewers not only expected artworks to be aesthetically pleasing but also demanded profound meaning, purpose, and functionality." Using a fresh approach and broad perspective, the author places artworks within their historical context to explore their original intent and study the patrons who commissioned artists to create palaces, churches, paintings, and sculptures. Unlike other specialized works on the same topic, this book covers not only Florence and Rome but also Venice, Siena, Milan, Pavía, Genoa, Padua, Mantua, Verona, Ferrara, and Naples. The unique political and social structures of these cities and their influence on art styles are fully reflected in the book. It presents a vibrant and colorful picture of Renaissance Italian society from the mid-13th century to the 16th century over more than 300 years. Detailed descriptions recreate that dynamic era. "The Scenes of the Time" give us insight into the interesting lives of people then, while "The Voices of the Time" directly quote the words of Renaissance painters and writers, telling us how artworks were created. The carefully selected approximately 600 illustrations are an indispensable part of understanding this glorious era. Original and highly academic, yet accessible and beautifully designed, this is Art in Renaissance Italy. "In the Renaissance, the role of art was very important," the author writes. "Viewers not only expected artworks to be aesthetically pleasing but also demanded profound meaning, purpose, and functionality." Using a fresh approach and broad perspective, the author places artworks within their historical context to explore their original intent and study the patrons who commissioned artists to create palaces, churches, paintings, and sculptures. Unlike other specialized works on the same topic, this book covers not only Florence and Rome but also Venice, Siena, Milan, Pavía, Genoa, Padua, Mantua, Verona, Ferrara, and Naples. The unique political and social structures of these cities and their influence on art styles are fully reflected in the book. It presents a vibrant and colorful picture of Renaissance Italian society from the mid-13th century to the 16th century over more than 300 years. Detailed descriptions recreate that dynamic era. "The Scenes of the Time" give us insight into the interesting lives of people then, while "The Voices of the Time" directly quote the words of Renaissance painters and writers, telling us how artworks were created. The carefully selected approximately 600 illustrations are an indispensable part of understanding this glorious era. Original and highly academic, yet accessible and beautifully designed, this is Art in Renaissance Italy.