Vasari's colorful and detailed portraits of the most representative figures of Italian art trace the flowering of the Renaissance across three centuries. This single-volume edition of selections from Vasari's immense work profiles 8 of the book's most noteworthy artists and includes an introduction, notes, and glossary; and woodcut portraits of each artist by Vasari himself. Unabridged essays from Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, originally published by The Heritage Press, New York, 1967.
Vasari on Technique by Giorgio Vasari Sixteenth-century painter reveals technical secrets: gilding, stained glass, casting, painter's materials, much more. Most detailed, valuable sourcebook of Renaissance methods. 29 illustrations.
Leonardo on Art and the Artist by Leonardo da Vinci Systematic grouped passages of Leonardo's writings concerning painting, focusing on problems of interpretation. More than an anthology, it offers a reconstruction of the underlying meaning of Leonardo's words. Introductions, notes, bibliography, reference materials. Over 125 black-and-white illustrations.
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli Classic, Renaissance-era guide to acquiring and maintaining political power. Today, nearly 500 years after it was written, this calculating prescription for autocratic rule continues to be much read and studied.
Principles of Art History by Heinrich Wölfflin Seminal modern study explains ideas beyond superficial changes. Analyzes over 150 works by masters. 121 illustrations.