Product Description

This book is both an introduction to fifteenth-century Italian painting, and a primer in how to read social history out of the style of pictures. It examines the commercial practice of the early Renaissance picture, trade in contracts, letters, and accounts; and it explains how the visual skills and habits evolved in the daily life of any society enter into its painters' style. Renaissance painting is related for instance to experience of such activities as preaching, dancing, and gauging barrels. This second edition contains an appendix, the original Latin and Italian texts referred to throughout the book, giving the student access to all the relevant, authentic sources.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24955 in Books
• Published on: 1988-05-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

About the Author
Michael Baxandell is Professor of the History of the Classical Tradition, Warburg Institute, University of London.

Customer Reviews

Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce...
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

An Art Lover's Gem
What a fabulous book! Small, compact & portable but with a wealth of information. Gives a comprehensive guide as to what to look for in the paintings and the background to them. Subjects covered include patronage, value of a master's skill, convention of biblical characters, body positions, importance of dance movement, public v private display and much more. The English is excellent and the style fluid and dynamic - you just have to read on. I know I will use this book for many years to come.