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Title: The Art of Florence (2 Volume Set) by Glenn Andres, John Hunisak, Richard Turner ISBN: 0-89660-111-0 Publisher: Artabras Pub. Date: July, 1999 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 2 List Price(USD): $185.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (5 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A Rare and Treasured Treat
Comment: Talk about magnificently beautiful! THE ART OF FLORENCE does full justice to its subject -- and it's a lot cheaper than plane fare to Italy.
The last time I was in Italy I witnessed three muggings, one in the Church of Santa Maria Novella, and those experiences were so unnerving that I couldn't fully concentrate on the loveliness of the many treasures before me. I barely remember any of them. So what a delight to discover so many of them in stunning full-color plates, to be enjoyed again and again in the comfort and safety of my own home.
The dual volume book is divided into historical sections of about a generation each in length. Each begins with a lucid account of the history of the city during that period with emphasis on the political, social and economic events that influenced the patronage of art at that time. There are separate accounts of the architecture, sculpute and painting done in each period. A rich and exciting interplay unfolds between the arts, the politics and the social structure of each time period. No wonder Florence was the artistic and political leader for all of Europe during the 13th through 16th centuries.
The authors confine themselves to Florentine artists or those who lived for some time in Florence. References to other artists, when necessary, are minimal. Michaelangelo, for instance, is discussed only in terms of the Dona Madonna, since it is the only painting of his in the city. His limning of the Sistine Chapel in Rome is mentioned only in passing.
These two volumes are special -- so special they'll draw you to the reading chair even when the siren of Spring calls through your window.
Rating: 5
Summary: A work of art about the art of Florence - a treasure
Comment: This is one of those books I wish I could give six or even seven starts. This is not only a book about great art; it is itself a beautiful work of art. The care lavished in making this book shows from the beautifully decorated slipcase to the wonderfully textured covers (my kids say they feel furry), to its large format and glorious reproductions. There are many foldouts showing large-scale works in broad sweep and even full-page reproductions of details of works shown in the book.
While the artwork shown is dazzling to the eye and overwhelming to the mind, the articles illuminating the works are first rate as well. One really nice feature of the articles is that there are marginal listings of the plates and figures discussed in each paragraph so it is easy to find text related to the images in which you are interested.
There are two volumes and over 1,300 pages. Volume 1 begins with a brief essay on Florence's prelude to greatness (59 B.C. 0 A.D. 1200). Then the book is organized into sections of varying size: Civic Price and Prosperity (1200 - 1340), An Age of Crisis (1340-1400), Images of a Free Republic (The Early 15th Century), and The Era of Cosimo De' Medici (1430-69). Volume two has: Lorenzo Il Magnifico (1469-92), The End of the Republic (1492-1530, and ends with The Medicean Principate (1530 - c. 1600). Each of these larger sections is organized in the same way - Architecture, then sculpture, and then painting. It is quite fascinating to watch how tastes and techniques evolve over the centuries.
There is also a glossary, bibliography, a section on the photographer and authors, an index and photo credits.
This isn't a book you will likely read from beginning to end. It is almost an ocean you will want to spend time exploring for years in order to take in all that it has to offer. It is almost impossible to not take away something new every time you open its magnificent pages. This is a real treasure for your library. I know is one in mine.
Rating: 5
Summary: Before you go, or to relive a trip read this book!
Comment: An amazing book! Elegant, informative, photos and history that just won't quit. The only downside is that this book (there are 2 volumes actually) is so large it is hard to manage. I got a copy for my 10 year old granddaughter for a trip we are taking this Summer. She has been dazzled and is working her way through (finding the photos that attract and then diving into the chapter text). It has also become an addiction for me. If you are going to Florence, get this book and read it!!
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Title: Paintings in the Uffizi and Pitti Galleries by Mina Gregori, Marco Chiarini, Antonio Paolucci ISBN: 0821220845 Publisher: Bulfinch Pub. Date: 18 November, 1994 List Price(USD): $135.00 |
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Title: Paintings in Venice by Philip Rylands, Augusto Gentili, Giovanna Nepi Sciré, Giandomenico Romanelli ISBN: 0821228137 Publisher: Bulfinch Pub. Date: December, 2002 List Price(USD): $135.00 |
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Title: Italian Frescoes: The Early Renaissance 1400-1470 by Steffi Rottgen, Antonio Quattrone, Russell Stockman, Steffi Roettgen ISBN: 0789201399 Publisher: Abbeville Press, Inc. Pub. Date: November, 1996 List Price(USD): $135.00 |
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Title: Paintings in The National Gallery, London by Linda Whiteley, Augusto Gentili, William Barcham ISBN: 0821226959 Publisher: Bulfinch Pub. Date: 22 November, 2000 List Price(USD): $135.00 |
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Title: The Art and Spirit of Paris by Venceslas Kruta, Alain Brandenburg-Erlande, Christopher Lyon, Claude Mignot, John Goodman, Michel Laclotte ISBN: 1558597603 Publisher: Abbeville Press, Inc. Pub. Date: November, 2003 List Price(USD): $425.00 |
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