Italian Renaissance Art

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 432 pages
• Published by: Westview Press February 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0813336910
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0813336916
• Book Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 2.5 pounds

From Booklist
Adams has produced a near-perfect introduction to the people, places, and events of the Italian Renaissance. Beginning with late-Byzantine-era iconography, the text follows Italian art as it transforms from a highly religious activity into a very human one, and culminates with a focus on the multitalented genius of da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Unlike many overview books on the Italian Renaissance, which focus mainly on the well-known artists and centers of production, this book also includes discussion of influential yet lesser-known artists and cities of the period. Understandably, Adams places most of her attention on painting. Yet she gives a fair and thorough treatment of architecture and sculpture. The side boxes are helpful and provide further information about the religious figures, ideas, and historical events that directly influenced the era, such as Dante and the black death. Adams takes great care in explaining the architectural context of certain paintings. This, along with numerous superb photographs, adds incalculable value to the understanding of the Italian Renaissance. Jeff Snowbarger
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Art historian Laurie Schneider Adams brings to students a vibrant and engaging presentation of Renaissance art history that is supported by up-to-date scholarship and methodology. The text opens with the late Byzantine work of Cimabue and concludes with the transition to Mannerism. The author’s focus is on the most important and innovative artists and their principal works, with a clear emphasis on selectivity and understanding. Italian Renaissance Art also focuses on style and iconography, and on art and artists, incorporating different methodological approaches to create a wider understanding and appreciation of the art.Distinguishing features of this text include: Over 400 illustrations, with 215 in full color, are integrated with the text, and large enough to properly view. In depth coverage on the most important and innovative artists and their principle works throughout Italy. Side boxes that provide additional material on techniques, biographical data, descriptions of artistic media, as well as necessary background information are used in every chapter. “Controversy” boxes introduce some of the ongoing scholarly quarrels among Renaissance art historians. Maps, plans, and diagrams are also included throughout. A historical chronology, a full glossary of art-historical terms, and a select bibliography are also included at the end of the text.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Italian Renaissance Art (Icon Editions) (Hardcover) I have read numerous art history books, and most suffer from being dry and too heavy on dates. This book is well-written with a style that flows from topic to topic. All the important information (yes, those dates!) a student will need is here, but the presentation puts it above the rest, making it an enjoyable book to read again and again. What I found especially valuable is how Adams places the works within the political and social environment of the times. Knowing the history adds a lot to art history! She provides sidebars with anecdotes about the artists or significant events in the era that have influenced the work. Stylistic and technical information is also excellent. Photographic quality is superb.