Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise


Book Description

This book examines the heretofore unsuspected complexity of Lorenzo Ghiberti's sculpted representations of Old Testament narratives in his Gates of Paradise (1425–52), the second set of doors he made for the Florence Baptistery and a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture. One of the most intellectually engaged and well-read artists of his age, Ghiberti found inspiration in ancient and medieval texts, many of which he and his contacts in Florence's humanist community shared, read, and discussed. He was fascinated by the science of vision, by the functioning of nature, and, above all, by the origins and history of art. These unusually well-defined intellectual interests, reflected in his famous Commentaries, shaped his approach in the Gates. Through the selection, imaginative interpretation, and arrangement of biblical episodes, Ghiberti fashioned multi-textured narratives that explore the human condition and express his ideas on a range of social, political, artistic, and philosophical issues.







Tuscan Sculpture of the Fifteenth Century


Book Description

Estelle M. Hurll's 'Tuscan Sculpture of the Fifteenth Century' is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the artistic achievements of the Tuscan sculptors during the Renaissance period. Hurll delves into the intricate details of the sculptures created in this era, analyzing their form, technique, and symbolism. Through her detailed descriptions and insightful commentary, Hurll transports the reader to a time when sculpture was a vital form of artistic expression in Italy. Her scholarly approach provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these sculptures, making this book a valuable resource for art historians and enthusiasts alike. The book's meticulous research and elegant prose elevate it beyond a mere art history book, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the evolution of Renaissance art. Estelle M. Hurll's expertise in art history and her passion for the subject shine through in this meticulously researched and beautifully written book. Her dedication to bringing the art of the fifteenth century Tuscan sculptors to life is evident on every page, making 'Tuscan Sculpture of the Fifteenth Century' a must-read for anyone with an appreciation for art and history.




A Journey Into Michelangelo's Rome


Book Description

A Journey into Michelangelo's Rome follows Michelangelo from his arrival in Rome in 1496 to his death in the city almost seventy years later. It tells the story of Michelangelo's meteoric rise and artistic breakthroughs, of his tempestuous relations with powerful patrons, and of his austere but passionate private life. Each chapter focuses on a particular work that stunned his contemporaries and continues to impress today's visitors. From the tender sorrow of his sculpted Piet, to the civic elegance of his restoration of Capitoline Hill, to the grandeur of his dome atop St. Peter's, Michelangelo's work adorns the city in numerous ways.




The Young Michelangelo


Book Description

Michael Hirst's chapters are followed by Jill Dunkerton's survey of Michelangelo's technique as a painter on panel, using both egg tempera and oil paint, based on the investigation of his paintings in the National Gallery. Included in the discussion is Michelangelo's slightly later Doni Tondo in the Uffizi, Florence, his only completed panel painting and one of the most perfect of his works. Dunkerton also looks back to the paintings by Ghirlandaio and his workshop in which Michelangelo was trained. Her illuminating text helps us to understand how Michelangelo executed these two familiar but relatively little-studied paintings and also to envisage the startling finished appearance probably conceived by the artist.













Bibliotheca Lindesiana ...


Book Description