The Art of Discovery: Digging into the Past in Renaissance Europe

The discovery of a casket containing the remains of Livy in Padua in the 15th century set a pattern for antiquarians that would last for centuries. The Art of Discovery explores the stories of Renaissance antiquarians who turned ancient material remains into sources for scholars and artists, inspiring new forms of art and knowledge. It challenges the notion that Renaissance antiquarianism was strictly a secular enterprise and reveals how the rediscovery of Christian relics and the bones of martyrs helped give rise to interdisciplinary ways of examining and authenticating objects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In the early fifteenth century, a remarkable discovery was made at a Benedictine abbey in Padua. Unexpectedly, within a casket, the remains of the renowned Roman historian Livy were found. The excitement surrounding this find was akin to that of discovering the bones of a Christian saint, setting a precedent that would endure for centuries to come.

The Art of Discovery delves into the captivating tales of Renaissance antiquarians who transformed ancient material remnants into invaluable sources for scholars, artists, architects, and devotees alike. Maren Elisabeth Schwab and Anthony Grafton bring to life some of the most extraordinary discoveries of the era, including the magnificent Golden House of Neros and the purported wooden placard that was nailed to the True Cross. Through their vivid narratives, readers are transported to the depths of basements, caves, and cisterns, where digs were meticulously conducted, and the methods employed by antiquarians, as well as the alchemists and craftsmen they consulted, are unraveled.

What emerges from this captivating account is not a mere origin story for modern archaeology or art history but rather a profound exploration of how early modern artisanal skills and technical expertise were harnessed to forge new knowledge about the past and ignite new artistic, scholarly, and devotional expressions in the present. The Art of Discovery also challenges the prevailing notion that Renaissance antiquarianism was solely a secular pursuit, unveiling how the rediscovery of Christian relics and the bones of martyrs played a significant role in shaping highly interdisciplinary approaches to examining and authenticating objects of all kinds.

In conclusion, The Art of Discovery offers a captivating journey into the world of Renaissance antiquarians, shedding light on their remarkable discoveries, the methods they employed, and the profound impact they had on Renaissance culture and the broader world. Through its rich narratives and insightful analysis, this book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the intricate interplay between art, scholarship, and devotion in the early modern period.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 222 x 151 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691237145