The Lure of Italy: Artists’ Views

by Julian Brooks, Alessandra Nardi (Contributor)

For centuries Italy has fascinated travelers and artists. From the crumbling ruins of ancient Rome to the crystal-clear light of Venice, artists have found inspiration not only in the cities but also in the countryside and in the deep history and culture. From as early as the 1500s, artists visiting from France, England, the Netherlands, and Germany drew sketches to preserve vivid memories, often creating work of extraordinary atmosphere and beauty in the process. A growing number of tourists in the subsequent centuries fueled a further demand for souvenir views, spurring local artists to craft their own masterpieces.
 
This lovely book is a narrated assemblage of some of these beautiful views, which transport the reader effortlessly to Italy, rekindling memories, setting intentions, or provoking curiosity. The text provides new insights into the topographical renditions of Italian scenes over the centuries, while compelling illustrations of works from the Getty collection by artists such as Richard Parkes Bonington, J. M. W. Turner, Claude Lorrain, Giovanni Battista Lusieri, Canaletto, and many more capture the essence and spirit of Italy.
 

96 pages, Hardcover

Published May 9, 2017

About the author

Julian Brooks is senior curator of drawings at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

Reviews

[jasmini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lure of Italy is a very informative book that provides information on the history of art in Italy. Given that this is my first experience reading a book based on art, I found it very enjoyable to read. Within 75 pages the book manages to provide historical and cultural details of a city filled with art.

The book is split into three major sections, Cityscapes, Art, Ancient and Modern as well as The Landscape. These three sections brief the reader on different artists, techniques and information on Italy's past.

I picked up this book because I am absolutely in love with Italy's culture, history, art and landscape so I figured that I would pick up this book and do some reading on some of my favourite things! Genuinely enjoyed this book and I definitely learnt more about Italy's history and landscapes!!