Painting in Fifteenth-Century Italy: This Splendid and Noble Art

A comprehensive new study of Italian painting in the 15th century, "Painting in Fifteenth-Century Italy: This Splendid and Noble Art" explores the art across the peninsula, challenging the traditional focus on Venice, Florence, and Rome. It reveals the travels and collaborations of painters, engaging with local visual culture and the art of antiquity, Byzantium, Spain, and northern Europe. The study includes nearly 200 color illustrations and highlights the techniques, materials, and brilliant colors of the works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Painting in fifteenth-century Italy was a vibrant and diverse art form that encompassed a wide range of styles and techniques. This period saw the emergence of some of the most famous painters in history, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

The study of fifteenth-century Italian painting has been a rich field of research for scholars and art enthusiasts alike. This expansive new study, Painting in Fifteenth-Century Italy: This Splendid and Noble Art, takes a fresh approach to exploring this artistic period.

Traditionally, the focus of fifteenth-century Italian painting has been on the cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, this study challenges that narrative by examining the art across the entire peninsula, from the north to the south. It also explores the global ports of Naples and Sicily, which played a significant role in the trade and exchange of art during this time.

One of the key findings of this study is that painters in fifteenth-century Italy traveled more frequently than previously thought. They sought professional opportunities and expanded their artistic horizons by visiting various regions and engaging with local visual cultures. These painters were influenced by the art of antiquity, Byzantium, Spain, and northern Europe, and their works reflected a dynamic crosscurrent of ideas and styles.

Conservators have made significant contributions to our understanding of fifteenth-century Italian painting by employing advanced techniques and technologies to examine the works. Their findings have revealed the varied techniques used by painters, including oil painting, fresco, and tempera. They have also shed light on the precious materials used, such as gold, silver, and precious stones, which were used to enhance the visual impact of the works.

Painting in Fifteenth-Century Italy is a stunning visual feast that showcases the richness, invention, and dynamic crosscurrents of the centurys art. The book features nearly 200 color illustrations, some specially commissioned, that provide a vivid representation of the works and their intricate details.

In conclusion, Painting in Fifteenth-Century Italy: This Splendid and Noble Art is a transformative study that offers a fresh perspective on fifteenth-century Italian painting. By examining the art across the entire peninsula and exploring the global ports of Naples and Sicily, the study challenges the traditional narrative and reveals the diverse influences and collaborations of painters during this period. The findings of conservators have shed new light on the techniques, materials, and colors of the works, and the color illustrations provide a breathtaking visual experience. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fifteenth-century Italian art and culture.

Dimension: 279 x 235 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300269611