Hidden Faces: Covered Portraits of the Renaissance

This volume explores an intriguing but largely unknown aspect of Italian and Northern European Renaissance art, highlighting the creativity and symbolism of covered portraits. It includes seventy objects, ranging in format from covered paintings to miniature boxes, that illustrate the symbiotic relationship between the portrait and its pair. Texts by thirteen distinguished scholars show how the other "faces" of these portraits represent some of the most innovative images of the Renaissance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

This captivating volume delves into an intriguing yet largely unexplored realm of Italian and Northern European Renaissance art, shedding light on the captivating artistry and symbolism of adorned portraits. Numerous small Renaissance portraits were adorned with intricately designed covers or backs, featuring allegorical figures, mythological scenes, or emblems that not only celebrated the sitter but also invited viewers to unravel their enigmatic meanings. Hidden Faces: Seventy Objects Unveiling the Symbiotic Relationship between Portraits and Their Covers presents a remarkable collection of seventy objects, spanning various formats, including covered paintings and miniature boxes. Through compelling texts by thirteen esteemed scholars, the book vividly showcases how these "other faces" of portraits emerged as some of the most innovative and groundbreaking images of the Renaissance, crafted by renowned artists like Hans Memling and Titian. By bringing together works that have been separated for centuries, this captivating volume unveils the multifaceted nature of portraits, revealing the sitter's identity not only through their physical appearance but also through the profound significance concealed within their ornate covers. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press, Hidden Faces is scheduled to be exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from April 2 to July 7, 2024. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Renaissance art and delve into the enigmatic world of adorned portraits.

Weight: 1264g
Dimension: 225 x 263 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397751