Subject
Painting -- Italy -- History Books
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Frank Jewett Mather
A history of Italian painting
"A History of Italian Painting" by Frank Jewett Mather is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work serves as a guide for beginners seeking to understand Italian painting, particularly from the Renaissance period. Mather aims to discuss the evolution of painting in Italy, focusing on key artists and artistic movements while providing a foundation for those new to the subject. The opening of the text establishes its purpose and target audience, indicating that it emerged from a series of lectures aimed at art novices. Mather emphasizes the importance of introducing the reader to significant phases of Italian painting by simplifying complex topics, avoiding intricate debates, and providing credible visual examples. He sets the stage for a detailed exploration of artists like Giotto, while also giving a broader context about Florence as a crucial hub of artistic innovation during the Renaissance. The chapter previews discussions of the relationship between artistic technique and emotional expression in the context of the evolving humanist ideals of the time.
Luigi Lanzi
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 1 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
"The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 1" by Luigi Lanzi is a historical account written in the late 18th to early 19th century. This comprehensive work aims to chronicle the development of painting in Italy from the revival of the arts to the end of the 18th century, covering significant periods and regional schools, particularly focusing on the Florentine and Sienese schools. The author's intent is to gather assorted histories and influences surrounding artists, techniques, and the evolution of styles, thereby providing a systematic history that serves both art lovers and scholars. At the start of the text, Lanzi emphasizes the necessity of a unified narrative regarding the history of painting, expressing disdain for disjointed and verbose individual artist accounts prevalent in previous writings. He outlines his methodical approach, intending to categorize the painting schools into significant epochs, showcasing the developments and constraints faced by artists over time. Lanzi introduces early painters, such as Cimabue and Giotto, linking their contributions to a larger narrative of artistic revival in Tuscany. He highlights how the revival began with improvements in sculpture and how key figures set new standards for design and technique, ultimately paving the way for the flourishing of painting in Italy. Throughout, there’s a focus on the interplay between art practices and the sociopolitical climate, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of notable artists in subsequent sections.
Luigi Lanzi
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 3 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
"The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 3" by Luigi Lanzi is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume specifically delves into the Venetian School of painting, examining the evolution of art in Northern Italy from the Renaissance through to the end of the 18th century. Lanzi offers detailed insights into prominent artists, their works, and the broader cultural influences that shaped Venetian art. The opening portion of the volume discusses the foundation of the Venetian School, highlighting notable figures and their contributions to the art form. Lanzi expresses the necessity of expanding upon previous studies, referencing works by Antonio Zanetti and Giorgio Vasari, while introducing various historical records and collections that document Venetian artists. He touches upon the emergence of painting styles in the early years, from ancient mosaics to the influx of Greek artistic influence, leading to a discussion of key artists such as Giotto and the Vivarini family. Through this exploration, Lanzi sets the stage for a more in-depth analysis of the Venetian School's evolution throughout the book.
Luigi Lanzi
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 5 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
"The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 5" by Luigi Lanzi is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume focuses specifically on the Bolognese School, along with the artistic developments in Ferrara, Genoa, and Piedmont, tracing the evolution of painting in these regions up to the 18th century. It provides detailed analyses of various artists and the stylistic changes across epochs, reflecting the rich tapestry of Italian art and its influences during this time. The opening of the work introduces the Bolognese School, illustrating how the pursuit of artistic excellence in Bologna emerged alongside the influence of prominent figures from earlier Italian painting traditions. The text delves into the prominent artists and their styles, discussing their approaches to imitation and innovation in art. Notably, Lanzi highlights the evolution of techniques and the emergence of original styles within Bologna while also critically engaging with the historical narratives surrounding the school, laying a foundation for understanding the interconnections between the various regional styles and their historical contexts.
Luigi Lanzi
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 6 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century (6 volumes)
"The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 6 (of 6)" by Luigi Lanzi is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This comprehensive volume focuses on the evolution of painting in Italy from the Renaissance to the close of the 18th century. It serves as a detailed compendium of artistic movements, highlighting key figures and their contributions to the art world during this transformative period. The opening portion introduces the final volume of Lanzi's extensive exploration, which is organized into various indexes. These indexes provide a systematic reference to artists mentioned throughout the preceding volumes, noting their birth and death dates, along with critical publications related to art history. It sets the stage for readers seeking to understand the intricate tapestry of Italian painting by cataloging significant artists and their historical contexts, emphasizing the depth and richness of the Italian artistic legacy cultivated over centuries.
Luigi Lanzi
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 2 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
"The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 2 (of 6)" by Luigi Lanzi is a historical account likely written in the early 19th century. This volume focuses on the evolution of painting in Italy from the Renaissance to the end of the 18th century, specifically examining the schools of Rome and Naples. The text seems to delve deeply into the development of various art movements and individual artists, providing insights into the cultural and historical contexts in which they created. At the start of the volume, Lanzi introduces the contentious issue surrounding the Roman School of painting, pondering its legitimacy in comparison to other renowned schools like those of Florence and Venice. He discusses the origins and contributions of notable artists such as Raffaello and others, highlighting how the Roman School, despite its fewer numbers, produced an influential style characterized by a profound reverence for classical antiquity. Lanzi sets the stage for a detailed historical analysis, referencing various artists, art principles, and their legacies while providing a broader context for understanding the development of art in Italy.
Luigi Lanzi
The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 4 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century
"The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 4 (of 6)" by Luigi Lanzi is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume continues the exploration of Italian painting, focusing specifically on the artistic movements and school of painting in Upper Italy, showcasing regions such as Lombardy, Mantua, Modena, Parma, Cremona, and Milan. The book weaves through the intricate networks of influences and epochs, detailing prominent artists and their contributions to the landscape of art in Italy from the Renaissance through the end of the 18th century. The opening of this volume begins with Lanzi’s assertion that the history of painting in Lombardy needs to be treated differently from that of other Italian schools due to its distinct and varied characteristics. He emphasizes that Lombardy was once a region divided into many districts, each featuring its own unique school and artist legacies, unlike the well-defined capitals of Florence or Venice. The text introduces the Mantuan School, discussing the significant role of Andrea Mantegna and his successors in shaping the regional artistic style, alongside considerations of other artists who emerged from this area. Initial themes revolve around the influences that originated here, the importance of artistic exchange, and the evolution of styles that characterized the vibrant Lombard art scene.
Stendhal
Histoire de la peinture en Italie
"Histoire de la peinture en Italie" by Stendhal is a work on Italian painting published in 1817. Originally conceived as a manual on Italian art, this ambitious book focuses exclusively on the Florentine school across seven books and 184 chapters. Rather than providing technical instruction, Stendhal teaches readers how to appreciate and feel art through personal commentary and digression. The work reveals his emerging literary style—conversational tone, narrative pleasure, and direct reader addresses—even before he wrote his first novel.
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