No city but Florence contains such an intense concentration of art produced in such a short span of time. The sheer number and proximity of works of painting, sculpture, and architecture in Florence can be so overwhelming that Florentine hospitals treat hundreds of visitors each year for symptoms brought on by trying to see them all, an illness famously identified with the French author Stendhal.
While most guidebooks offer only brief descriptions of a large number of works, with little discussion of the historical background, Judith Testa gives a fresh perspective on the rich and brilliant art of the Florentine Renaissance in An Art Lover’s Guide to Florence. Concentrating on a number of the greatest works, by such masters as Botticelli and Michelangelo, Testa explains each piece in terms of what it meant to the people who produced it and for whom they made it, deftly treating the complex interplay of politics, sex, and religion that were involved in the creation of those works.
With Testa as a guide, armchair travelers and tourists alike will delight in the fascinating world of Florentine art and history.
Publisher : Northern Illinois University Press (September 15, 2012)
Language : English
Paperback : 306 pages
ISBN-10 : 0875806805
ISBN-13 : 978-0875806808
Reading age : 18 years and up
Item Weight : 15.3 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book excellent for improving their understanding and appreciation of Florence. They appreciate the artistic insights and detailed descriptions. Readers describe the writing as well-written and easy to read.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
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