Venice: Art and Architecture [Hardcover]

Giandomenico Romanelli (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3895085936 | ISBN-13: 978-3895085932 | Publication Date: May 1998 | Edition: 1/Slipcase

The entire span of Venetian art - in architechture, sculpture, and painting - from the 13th through the 18th centuries is systematically explained by renowned art historians. If you approach Venice by way of the lagoon, the city appears to be as homogenous as a single building. But as soon as you step into its shadowy alleys, you will be captivated by the palazzi, churches, and private palaces where the eye is drawn to the dazzling sylistic variety of Moorish window arches adjacent to balconies in Venetian Gothic and severe Renaissance facades.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 944 pages
• Publisher: Konemann; 1/Slipcase edition (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3895085936
• ISBN-13: 978-3895085932
• Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 11.2 x 3.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,191,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Slightly lacking on the art side of things, May 20, 2000

By 

Digilante - See all my reviews

This review is from: Venice: Art and Architecture (Hardcover)

The book consists of two books in a slipcase, and given its unusually large format and high quality paper, it weighs a ton. The weight is however well substantiated by the contents! The progression is chronological, right from the beginnings of Venice in Volume I, to modern items at the end of Volume II. The architecture side of things is covered by hundreds of top quality photographs of buildings inside and outside, as well as drawings, old photographs, and building plans. As for the art, there are countless clear representations of the masterpieces of the city. Having been in the city a few times, this book adds so much value, firstly by showing me reminders of the places and objects I have seen, and secondly by exposing the interiors of buildings usually closed to the casual visitor.

The reason why I rated this four stars instead of five, is because the book does not give as much coverage to Venice's art museums as I feel it should. Sure, the contents of the art museums were in large part not manufactured by Venetian artists, but all this art now forms part of Venice on account of having been in its museums for decades. Understandably, however, that would probably require another two volumes! Another area that was perhaps not covered sufficiently is that of glass. After all, Venetian glass is world famous, and it deserved more than a short chapter.

Overall however, this is the sort of book one would expect to find in the reference section of a top class library, and yet the price makes it affordable for your own home. It is also very much a scholarly work, filled with details in the text section. It is thus perfect for both those who want to look at the stunning pictures, and those who want to really get into the story behind it all. You will not be disappointed, and I recommend this work without reservation.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a treasure for the lover of Italian art and architecture, April 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Venice: Art and Architecture (Hardcover)

This beautifully produced (and very well-priced) book is the kind one would expect to find in a library or museum reading room. It's comprehensive scope and breath-taking photographs give an accurate and intimate portrait of one of the world's most beautiful and intriguing cities. The reviewer has visited Venice several times, but still managed to find many surprizes in Romanelli's book - mainly palaces and other buildings not open to the general public. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Venice Art & Architecture, May 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Venice: Art and Architecture (Hardcover)

I borrowed these books from a friend. I could not believe my eyes. They are most fantastic! I have ordered a set for myself. I recommend them highly!