Venetian Disegno: New Frontiers

The book Venetian Disegno: New Frontiers circa 1420 to 1620 offers a fresh perspective on the art of Venice and the Veneto, emphasizing the importance of disegno in understanding various art forms. It critically examines the historiography of Venetian artistic scholarship and proposes a broader, more inclusive approach to the study of drawings. The contributions are divided into five thematic sections, covering topics such as the movement of ideas, materials, theories, invention, and function. The book is lavishly illustrated with over 100 images and includes a comprehensive bibliography. It represents a significant contribution to scholarship on the art of Venice, Renaissance workshops, and drawing studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2024
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

Venetian Disegno: New Frontiers Circa 1420 to 1620



This captivating volume offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the art of Venice and the Veneto, spanning the period from circa 1420 to 1620. The book brings together the expertise of scholars and curators who specialize in a diverse range of artists and art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and architecture.

At its core, "Venetian Disegno: New Frontiers Circa 1420 to 1620" explores the concept of disegno, which, in its multifaceted nature, allows for a profound examination of the conceptual role of design and the act of drawing. Historically, the relationship between disegno and Renaissance Venetian art has been a complex and often contentious one, with a significant emphasis placed on the Venetian penchant for color. This volume challenges this prevailing perspective and highlights the importance of Venetian disegno and the study of drawings in understanding various art forms.

The book begins with a critical exploration of what constitutes disegno in Venetian art. It questions the historiography of Venetian artistic scholarship and the restrictive frameworks and preconceptions that have shaped our understanding of the art. By adopting a broader and more inclusive approach, the book sets out to shed light on the merits of a more comprehensive understanding of disegno.

Disegno is applied in its entirety to address the physical act of drawing, the tangible drawn object, and the role of design in artistic practice. The term "Venetian" is used to encompass both Venice and its mainland territories, recognizing the mobility of artists across and beyond the region. Contributions to the book are organized into five thematic sections.

The first section, titled "Peripheries," situates the art of Venice within a broader discourse on the movement of ideas across and beyond the Veneto in locations such as Padua, Verona, and Rome. It explores how Venetian artists interacted with other artistic traditions and influenced artistic developments in neighboring regions.

The second section, titled "Media," delves into the origins and innovations of various artistic mediums during the Venetian period. It examines the development of techniques, materials, and styles, highlighting the contributions of artists and craftsmen who played pivotal roles in shaping the artistic landscape.

The third section, titled "Genre and Identity," explores the themes of genre painting, portraiture, and landscape. It examines how artists used these genres to convey social, cultural, and political messages, as well as to establish their identities within the artistic community.

The fourth section, titled "Public and Private Spaces," examines the role of disegno in the creation of public and private spaces in Venice. It explores how artists designed and decorated buildings, churches, and palaces, as well as how they depicted the daily life and activities of the city's inhabitants.

The fifth section, titled "Transnational Connections," explores the international connections and exchanges between Venetian artists and their counterparts in other regions. It examines how Venetian artists influenced artistic developments in other parts of Europe and how they were influenced by artistic trends from beyond the Venetian sphere.

In conclusion, "Venetian Disegno: New Frontiers Circa 1420 to 1620" is a groundbreaking volume that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the art of Venice and the Veneto. It challenges prevailing narratives and highlights the importance of Venetian disegno and the study of drawings in understanding various art forms. Through its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of art history and encourages a deeper appreciation of the rich artistic heritage of Venice and the Veneto.

Weight: 1348g
Dimension: 250 x 287 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915401007