Viewing Renaissance Art

by The Open University, Carol M. Richardson (Editor), Kim W. Woods (Editor)

This book focuses on the values, priorities, and motives of patrons and the purposes and functions of art works produced north and south of the Alps and in post-Byzantine Crete. It begins by considering the social range and character of Renaissance patronage and ends with a study of Hans Holbein the Younger and the reform of religious images in Basle and England.
Viewing Renaissance Art considers a wide range of audiences and patrons from the rulers of France to the poorest confraternities in Florence. The overriding premise is that art was not a neutral matter of stylistic taste but an aspect of material production in which values were invested―whether religious, cultural, social, or political.

Genres: Renaissance, Art, Art History

333 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2007

Reviews

[Martin Ridgway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gorgeously illustrated book from the Open University, one of three for "another take" on the Renaissance. As with the other two volumes, this one looks across Europe rather than just concentrating on Italy/Tuscany. There are interesting sections on book illustration, the art of death, and the impact of the reformation.

[Leonardo Etcheto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating in many respects. Learned a lot about how arts was produced and consumed, much different than the role of art nowadays. Art was very political and highly religious. A great chapter on illuminated books, that is something I need to learn more about. Also the one about the role of mortuary memorials in the politics of the time. The way subject matter was shifted by the laws during the reformation was new to me, fascinating how it worked, and it also helps remind me of how powerful the freedom of expression in America is. So easy to take it for granted. Really well done book, but not an easy read. It takes some time and dedication and you spend a lot of time thinking about what is said.