Customer Reviews

Illuminating the Renaissance: The Triumph of Flemish Manuscript Painting in Europe

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This book is a catalogue of an exhibition held at the Getty Museum in 2003. It covers Flemish manuscript painting from 1740 and 1560.To quote from the introductory essay, "During this period manuscript illuminators radically transformed the appearance of the illustrated page. First they introduced into their miniatures the mastery of light, texture and space that Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden had achieved. Second, the decorated border of the page grew comparable in its richness to the miniature that it framed".

There are a dazzling array of examples of illuminated manuscripts of exceptional quality and beauty presented in this catalogue. Additionally there are a number of related paintings and drawings to be seen. The works of some of the the greatest illumination masters of the era, including Simon Marmion, the Vienna Master of Mary of Burgundy, Gerard David and Simon Bening, are showcased.

This is a hefty and expensive book. The quality of the color reproductions and printing are absolutely exceptional. I must admit to a long period of struggle before taking the plunge and blowing my budget on this volume. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This investment has provided me with an enormous amount of ongoing pleasure and I urge enthusiasts of this era of art to consider purchasing this wonderful book.