The complete paintings of Botticelli; (Classics of world art)
Category: Books,Biographies & Memoirs,Arts & Literature
The complete paintings of Botticelli; (Classics of world art) Details
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Reviews
First published by Rizzoli Editore in '67, and translated in '70, this soft cover Penguin edition is from '85, and printed in Italy with 62 plates of such beauty and spiritual depth that just glancing through this book brings me a peace of soul and mental quietude.The text is informative but tersely written and doesn't take up much space. There is a mini bio of Botticelli, a 3 page introduction, and little more than 3 pages of "An outline of the artist's critical history", with quotes dating back to c.1485 through 1965.The large dimensions of the book allows for a special treat: details in the actual size, as in plate VI, a detail from "The Adoration of the Magi" that is extraordinarily lovely and gentle, and the final plate, of two angels embracing from "The Mystical Nativity" is perfection in it's simplicity and mastery of line.On page 85, you get "The Works". It includes and outline biography, and a complete catalogue of works, with dimensions, and symbol indicators for technique, support, whereabouts, etc. Each piece has a b&w photo (3 x 2 or larger) of the picture and it's full history.One of my two favorite works of art on this earth (the other being Rublev's "Trinity"), is the Botticelli's portrait of Giuliano de' Medici that hangs in the Staatliche Museen in Berlin. There are four versions of this portrait, including a gorgeous one from a private collection shown here I had not seen before...and each piece is compared as to age and execution.On page 113, are "Botticelli's other artistic activities", which include small reproductions of exquisite drawings, among them illustrations of Dante's "Inferno". On the last two pages are door panels, inlay figures, and an embroidered cope cover.One of the most unique visionaries in the history of art, Botticelli's magnificent, tranquil masterpieces are well showcased in this wonderful volume.