Color and Meaning: Practice and Theory in Renaissance Painting

by Marcia B. Hall

The importance of color has long been recognized as a significant factor in our experience of painting, but until recently it has been neglected by art historians. With the development of new technologies since World War II, however, art historians have made important discoveries that have substantially enlarged our understanding of technique and the subtle effects of color. Color and Practice and Theory in Renaissance Painting, 1300-1600 draws upon these recent scientific discoveries made in the conservation laboratories and applies them in close readings of twenty major paintings by artists such as Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, and Tintoretto. No mere history of technique, however, this book integrates the recent scientific discoveries with the traditional approaches of art history, including documentary evidence and stylistic analysis. Elucidating how color and technique contribute to, and are often identical with, meaning, it provides the first modern consideration of Renaissance painting both as physical objects and as monuments of cultural history.

Genres: Art

Paperback

First published March 27, 1992

Reviews

[Anne]

Dr. Hall’s book is essential reading if you want to understand painting from the view of the artist and their skills, techniques and color options/choices during the Renaissance.
Well worth the money to have this if you do.

[Michael]

Great book. Great insight into color and painting. Great resource.