During Pope Sixtus V's reign at the end of the Roman Cinquecento (1585-1590), counter-reformed Rome underwent a significant transformation of its liturgy and of the way in which its religious monuments were approached by the faithful. The changes implemented by the pope affected the decoration of monuments on the various estates over which the Vatican has historically held dominion.

"Renovatio Christiana" is a scholarly study detailing the many building projects Pope Sixtus V carried out in order to provide clergy, residents, and pilgrims better access to Rome's main basilicas and churches, as well as to grant the clergy new processional pathways across the major churches. It also emphasizes the relationship between patron and artists, showing how Pope Sixtus V reshaped the Holy Steps, for instance, from a private chapel exclusively for papal use to a stand-alone building open to anyone seeking penance.

A highly academic and original text, "Renovatio Christiana" is a thoroughly informative and insightful must-read for anyone looking for a more detailed history and understanding of Rome's art during the late Italian Renaissance period.

When we think of the Last Supper and art, we often think immediately of Leonardo da Vinci. But the Last Supper has actually been the subject of paintings by artists for many centuries. Here is a collection of more than three dozen versions of the Last Supper - many by well-known artists (such as Peter Paul Rubens and, of course, Leonardo da Vinci), and many by lesser-known artists. As with the other books in the "Enjoying Great Art" series, this book is a pictorial journey for adults and students of all ages. Words are kept to a minimum - with an introduction to the book, and then artists and dates for each painting. For more details on Leonardo's famous version, you may also be interested in Catherine's "Exploring Da Vinci's Last Supper."

One of the finest works from the golden era of Flemish manuscript illumination, the Getty's copy of the Romance of Gillion de Trazegnies tells of the adventures of a medieval nobleman. Part travelogue, part romance, and part epic, the text traces the exciting exploits of Gillion as he journeys to Jerusalem on pilgrimage, is imprisoned in Egypt and rises to the command of the Sultan's armies, mistakenly becomes a bigamist first with a Christian and then a Muslim wife, and dies in battle as a glorious hero. The tale encompasses the most thrilling elements of the Western romance genre -- love, villainy, loyalty, and war -- set against the backdrop of the East. This lavishly illustrated volume reveals for the first time the complexity of this illuminated romance. A complete reproduction of the book's illustrations and a partial translation of the text appear along with essays that explore the manuscript's vibrant cultural, historical, and artistic contexts. The innovative illuminations, by the renowned artist Lieven van Lathem, juxtapose the reality of medieval Europe with an idealized vision of the East. This unusual pairing, found in the text and illustrations, is the source of a rich discussion of the fifteenth-century political situation in the West and the Crusades in the East.

This small book was originally designed to help students slow down and enjoy a specific exhibit about the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. But it has been redone to be useful for students anywhere - students who have access to websites or books about Leonardo da Vinci. It includes a scavenger hunt that gives a good overview of Leonardo da Vinci as artist, architect, inventor, mathematician and more Then there are several other hunts that delve into some of those other "job titles" that Leonardo held during his very busy 67-year life. Happy Hunting

Mr. Lopez reinterprets the civilization of the High Renaissance in Italy as a dramatic succession of three ages: Youth, 1454-1494; Maturity, 1494-1527; Decline, 1527-1559. In the first period, political and economic stabilization brings forth a mood of confident expectation which expresses itself in literature, art, and philosophy, all reaching for a goal of "self-centered aesthetic harmony." In the second period, a series of foreign invasions shatters the political and economic well-being of the Indian elite but does not slow down the artistic and literary drive. Whether in hope or in sorrow, in response to shock or in escape from reality, the Renaissance attains its glorious climax. The third period is torn between conflicting tendencies. The political battle is lost but there is a second economic revival; art and literature give out despondent notes but successfully explore new channels; philosophic permissiveness comes to an end but scientific reserach comes into its own. Mr. Lopez's tripartition of an age which is usually described as a single sweep adds depth to the definition of the Italian Renaissance. It is enhanced by his fresh translations of Renaissance poems and by twenty-four illustrations which pick out from the incomparable wealth of Renaissance art a few historically significant works. All the famous names are there, from Lorenzo de'Medici to Ariosto, Machiavelli, and Cardano, from Botticelli to Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Palladio; but one also meets a large number of minor figures and anonymous people in the street. America is discovered; new diseases appear; anti-Semitism reawakens; religious unity is destroyed - these and other events form the backdrop. The sparkling narration is thoroughly grounded in contemporary sources.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1900 Edition.

Another book in the "Enjoying Great Art" series: Horses are a part of our everyday life. But do we think of them when we think of great art? Here is a picture book for students of all ages...A picture book of horses in art Different colors, shapes, sizes...Some that are only small parts of the painting, some which are the focus of the painting.

This "In Art" book is dedicated to the men in my life who have spent decades of their lives in service to their country through the military: my father-in-law, Daniel Jaime, Sr., my father, John McGrew, and my husband, Daniel Jaime. Between them they saw service in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. This book is arranged chronologically, according to major conflicts that U.S. Soldiers have seen action in - from the French and Indian War when American soldiers fought alongside British soldiers, through to 2010 when American soldiers helped with relief efforts after the earthquake in Haiti. Note to parents/teachers: The books in this serious generally consist of family-friendly, "rated G" paintings. Because of the topic of this particular book, I would say this one is more of a "PG" rating.

Architecture is a part of our everyday life. But do we think of it when we think of great art? Here is a picture book for adults and students of all ages...A picture book of architecture in art Different colors, shapes, sizes...Some where the buildings are only a small part of the painting, some where they are the focus of the painting...Some where the exteriors of the buildings are the focus, a few where it is the interior that is the important portion. As with the other books in this series, the paintings in this book have been selected to be family-friendly (though the same cannot be said by all of the other paintings of some of these artists).

The newest book in the "Enjoying Great Art" series, this book focuses on the government of the United States - but from an artistic point of view. A great introduction to U.S. Government, a great review, or just a fun way to enjoy an important topic from a more visual perspective than usual.

When I think of cities in the United States, I think first of New York City. And one of the first things to come to mind in New York City is Central Park. This small book takes a quick look at Central Park through art. It is meant to be enjoyed by adults and students of all ages. Look through these paintings that span many decades, and notice the similarities and the differences between them...See the colors, the textures and patterns, and more. Take note of whether there are people included in the different paintings; and if so, are men, women, or children more often portrayed? Do you like certain artists or styles more than others? But, most of all, enjoy Note to parents: All of the paintings selected for the books in this series are child-friendly - but we aren't necessarily recommending all of the other paintings by these same artists If you and your children want to go exploring after this - please exercise caution.

Please enjoy the latest book in the "Enjoying Great Art" series. This one includes paintings that span over five centuries and several continents. Many are portraits of individuals, some include multiple people. Some are "posed," but others show the subjects engaged in a variety of activities. All include people of African descent. As you look through the paintings, notice the similarities and the differences between them...Do you like certain artists or styles more than others? Are there some you are familiar with and others that are destined to become new friends? But, most of all, enjoy

The newest book in the "Enjoying Great Art" series: Trains may or may not be part of our everyday life today. In fact, many of us think of them more in a historical setting. But how many of us think of them when we think of great art? Here is a picture book for adults and students of all ages...A picture book of trains in art - trains, train stations, passengers, and more. The paintings include different colors, shapes, and sizes. Look through these paintings that span almost exactly one century, and notice the similarities and the differences between them...

The newest book in the "Enjoying Great Art" Series: Great art comes in many sizes and shapes, in many colors and styles. It can also be about many different themes - real and imaginary. Other books in the series have included art arranged around many topics - including bridges, hats, and animals, to name just a few. But this book arranges the art around a geographical theme - the fifty different states of the United States. Here each state is presented through one or more pictures. They represent some combination of the landscape, flower, and/or animal of each state. Some are historical in nature, though many are of a more time-less style. Note to parents: All of the paintings selected for the books in this series are child-friendly - but we aren't necessarily recommending all of the other paintings by these