Italy’s most precious painting treasures dissected
Surreptitious messages, concealed myths, and historical truths lie hidden in the great works of the
Italian Renaissance, behind heavy gold leaf and religious symbology. Although often obscured by the archaic language of historical painting,
careful analysis and expert interpretation bring these images to life. Discover
masterpieces of the most beloved creative epoch in this fascinating art historical inquiry.
Images of war, romance, birth, and knowledge, works of the Italian Renaissance have much to say, when given a voice.
Rose-Marie and Rainer Hagen do just that—pulling apart each of the
12 featured paintings with all the talent of true detectives to offer an illuminating portal to the past.
From
Michelangelo’s
The Creation of Adam to
Ucello’s
The Battle of San Romano, from
Antonello da Messina’s
St. Jerome in His Study to
Pinturicchio’s
Penelope with the Suitors, the artworks under investigation are a diverse
representation of the period’s innovation and brilliance,
sourced directly from some of the most impressive collections in the world, including the Uffizi, Prado, and National Gallery London.
The authors
Rose-Marie Hagen was born in Switzerland and studied history, Romance languages, and literature in Lausanne. After further studies in Paris and Florence, she lectured at the American University in Washington, D.C.
Rainer Hagen was born in Hamburg and graduated in literature and theater studies in Munich. He later worked for radio and TV, most recently as chief editor of a German public broadcasting service. Together they have collaborated on several TASCHEN titles, including Masterpieces in Detail, Pieter Bruegel, and Francisco de Goya.
What Great Paintings Say. Italian Renaissance
Hardcover, 8.3 x 10.2 in., 1.23 lb, 96 pages
ISBN 978-3-8365-6967-5
Edition: English
ISBN 978-3-8365-6966-8
Edition: French
