"With a freshness and breadth of approach that sets the art in its context, this book explores why works were created and who commissioned the palaces, cathedrals, paintings and sculptures. It covers Rome and Florence, Venice and the Veneto, Assisi, Siena, Milan, Pavia, Genoa, Padua, Mantua, Verona, Ferrara, Urbino and Naples. Chapters are grouped into four chronological parts, allowing for a sustained examination of individual cities in different periods. 'Contemporary Scene' boxes provide fascinating glimpses of daily life and 'Contemporary Voice' boxes quote from painters and writers of the time. Innovative and scholarly, yet accessible and beautifully presented, this book is a definitive work on the Italian Renaissance. This revised edition contains around 200 new pictures and nearly all colour images ..."--
A very useful textbook for the history of the art of the Italian Renaissance. It does a great job of showing how the art functioned in context: religious, political, social, etc. There is a lot more to know about the art of this period than meets the eye, this book will show readers these hidden aspects of the Renaissance.
Concise and well-structured textbook on Renaissance Italian art. Could have dedicated more space to some of the courts. Rigid focus on Italy also lacks context of international trade and cultural influences.
Very Insightful and easy to follow. A well-rounded look into the artistic life of Renaissance Italy and the various artists and aristocrats who shaped the landscape at the time.