The Art of the Renaissance (Hardcover)

by Lucia Corrain (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-7--An engaging and intelligent treatment of a seemingly overwhelming subject to tackle in so brief a book. It covers 30 topics relevant to the era, such as individual artists (Masaccio and Titian), towns (Milan and Rome), and techniques (oil painting and wood sculpture). Most of them are discussed on double-page spreads, while others are given only one page of coverage. Despite the brevity of each entry, a surprising amount of solid information is conveyed. A typical entry consists of an introductory paragraph; a large illustration; and three-to-eight smaller illustrations, photographs, and full-color reproductions (along with accompanying captions). For example, the entry on wood sculpture features a paragraph about this art form's leading practitioners and showcases an altarpiece created by Veit Stoss. It includes a picture of the piece under construction, several explanatory captions, plus smaller drawings that illustrate the carving process step-by-step, a photograph of the Bamberg altar, and a short biography of Veit Stoss. With its attractive layout, this title does a fine job of introducing young readers to this period in art history, but the information covered only scratches the surface. Therefore, it is best used as an elementary overview rather than as a definitive source for reports.

Melissa Hudak, Northern Illinois Medical Center, McHenry, IL

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

Ideal for both introduction and review, the six titles in this series address the individual artists Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh and the art and cultural movements of the Renaissance and Impressionism. The Art of the Renaissance encompasses this extraordinary era of creative vivacity admirably and highlights many of the arts, including architecture, drama, music, painting, sculpture, and weaving. The importance of Gutenberg's printing press is not overlooked. The series was first published in Italy, and the European perspective is evident in this book. Although the High Renaissance is featured, it is not the sole focus as in many American books on the topic. Van Gogh details the artist's short, unhappy life. The text also includes information concerning his painting techniques and themes, influences by other artists of the time, places he visited, and happenings in the world around him.

Organized so that each double-page spread represents a theme that ties into the content, these slim books are packed with relevant and interesting subject matter. With a mix of detailed original illustrations and photographs of exceptional works of art, abundant information is conveyed in the visual images alone. The print size on each page designates the importance of content. Reading the large print will give teens basic knowledge, while the small print is certain to help with the preparation of the most detailed trivia game. These books would be a fine addition to any library or art department collection. -Lynne Farrell Stover. -- VOYA/The Scarecrow Press, Inc. August 2008 --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Peter Bedrick; 1st edition (February 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872265269
• ISBN-13: 978-0872265264
• Product Dimensions: 14.1 x 10.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #621,657 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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