Exploration of Artistic Masterpieces and Biographical Insights into Sir Lawrence Weaver's Life and Creative Journey (Books)
In the heart of Italy, art enthusiasts can embark on a captivating journey, following in the footsteps of great artists and uncovering the country's rich artistic heritage. This is the premise of Nick Trend's book, "Italy: In the Footsteps of the Great Artists," published by Thames & Hudson and priced at £50.
The book offers more than just museum visits, encouraging travellers to explore churches, piazze, and palazzi to view the artworks that still grace the buildings for which they were commissioned. Along the way, readers will encounter the works of artists like Giotto, Canaletto, and Giovanni Bellini, whose paintings continue to play a role in today's religious settings and serve as objects of contemplation.
One such artist, Bellini, is trailed through various churches in Venice, including San Zaccaria, the Frari, San Giovanni Crisostomo, San Zanipolo, and San Francesco Della Vigna. Bellini's masterpieces, such as the "Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints" and the "Pesaro Triptych," are still a sight to behold.
For those interested in the modern tradition of architectural criticism, the book also delves into the life and work of Sir Lawrence Weaver. Weaver, appointed Architectural Editor to a magazine in 1911, transformed its coverage of the field and became a founding figure in the modern tradition. His first wife, Kathleen neé Purcell, played an important role in both his private and professional life, but she died in 1927.
Weaver was inspired by the Arts-and-Crafts Movement and became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries at the age of 25. He exchanged journalism for the civil service during the First World War and established the National Institute of Agricultural Botany outside Cambridge in 1921. The book, "Arts & Crafts Chronicler: The Life and Work of Sir Lawrence Weaver," published by Lund Humphries and priced at £45, offers a detailed biography of Weaver, written by his grandson and informed by family papers, providing insights into his remarkable personal and professional story.
The book also steers art travellers to off-the-beaten-path locations, such as Mantegna's house in Mantua, Leonardo's baptismal church in Anchiano, and The Last Supper in Milan. For those seeking a more comprehensive guide, Trend's book includes more than 300 large photographs, hand-drawn maps, and vignettes, offering a lucid and informative text that supplements the visual journey.
John Mortimer's novel "Summer's Lease," published in 1988, also contributed to the popularity of Italy's art scene. The story, centred on a family's summer holiday in Tuscany, popularized the painter Piero della Francesca, leading to an influx of tourists in the towns of Monterchi, Sansepolcro, Arezzo, and Urbino, where Piero della Francesca's paintings were located.
In essence, "Italy: In the Footsteps of the Great Artists" offers a full concierge variety of travel, allowing for a detailed exploration of Italy's art and history. Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or a curious beginner, this book promises an unforgettable journey through Italy's artistic treasures.
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