Medici - Portraits and Politics, 1512-1570

During the Renaissance, Florence became a dynastic duchy under Cosimo I de Medici, who used culture as a political tool to transform the city and elevate Florentine art to prominence. Portraits became an essential means of recording likenesses, conveying sitters' characters, social positions, and cultural ambitions, and this book explores the erudite and stylish character of Florentine portraiture from the sixteenth century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

The art of portraiture holds a unique place in the realm of Renaissance Florence, serving as a captivating gateway into the intricate tapestry of politics, patronage, and power that defined this vibrant city. During the reign of the Medici family, which lasted uninterruptedly from 1434 to 1494, Florence experienced a period of remarkable cultural and artistic flourishing. However, it was during the reign of Cosimo I de Medici, who reclaimed power in 1512, that the true potential of culture as a political instrument was fully realized. Cosimo's rule transformed Florence into a dynastic duchy, elevating the status of Florentine art to a central position that it has maintained ever since.

As Florence embarked on a tumultuous journey of political transformation in the sixteenth century, portraiture emerged as an essential tool for capturing likenesses and conveying the essence of sitters' characters, social positions, and cultural aspirations. Painters, sculptors, and artists across various mediums embraced an erudite and self-consciously stylish approach, infusing their works with a profound sense of sophistication and individuality. This captivating book, authored by a team of esteemed international authors, presents a comprehensive and penetrating exploration of a pivotal and vibrant period in Italian art.

Featuring an impressive collection of over ninety remarkable paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and medals, this volume offers a sweeping view of Florentine portraiture during the Renaissance. The authors delve into the techniques, styles, and cultural influences that shaped this art form, shedding light on the profound impact it had on the development of Renaissance art as a whole. Through meticulous research and analysis, the book provides a deep understanding of the social, political, and artistic context in which portraiture flourished, offering insights into the complex interplay between individuals, families, and the larger society of Florence.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in collaboration with Yale University Press, has brought this remarkable book to life. The exhibition schedule for "Portraits of Renaissance Florence" promises to be a captivating journey through time, showcasing the masterpieces of Jacopo Pontormo, Agnolo Bronzino, Francesco Salviati, and many other renowned artists. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, renowned for its vast collection and expertise in Renaissance art, will provide a fitting venue for this exhibition, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of portraiture that defined this remarkable period.

In conclusion, portraiture holds a special place in the history of Renaissance Florence, serving as a window into the complex web of politics, patronage, and power that shaped this vibrant city. Through the works of painters, sculptors, and artists across various mediums, Florentine portraiture emerged as a testament to the artistic prowess and cultural significance of this period. This captivating book, authored by a team of esteemed international authors, offers a profound exploration of the art of portraiture during the Renaissance, providing a valuable insight into the social, political, and artistic landscape of this remarkable city. The upcoming exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art promises to be a captivating experience, offering a glimpse into the lives and characters of the individuals portrayed in these remarkable portraits.

Weight: 1974g
Dimension: 239 x 291 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397300