Renaissance Art: A Beginner's Guide

As a nascent art historian, I recommend this book as THE introduction to Renaissance art. There are better books on the Italian or Flemish Renaissance, but this is the first coherent discussion of Renaissance art as a cultural phenomenon that encompassed both. The scholarship is cutting edge without being partisan. The readings of artistic works are historically appropriate but tell the larger story of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern European culture in a way that is true to the diversity of its origins. Even someone steeped in the material and texts of early modern Europe will gain new insights from this work.

This is a very good book for anyone looking to gain an understanding of Renaissance Art. Nichols description of Jan van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait was beautiful. I only recieved this book for christmas and already I love it. I have made little headway though but this is a highly enjoyable product for just about anyone.

nothing about Giotto except a sentence

It was delivered very quick considering it was dispatched from UK. Thoroughly enjoyed and the read and insight to the world of Renaissance.

I purchased this book as we are going to Florence and I know nothing about Renaissance Art. It was very easy reading, interesting and informative. Very good glossary of terms and suggested further reading for each chapter should you wish to. A great little book and a very reasonable cost.

Very good.

This is a good introductory book, covering a lot of ground, which is just what you need when you're trying to learn about art. For me, the downside was the paucity and quality of the illustrations and that stops it receiving 5 stars. Not all the illustrations are in colour and those that are are tiny. Some works described aren't illustrated at all. My solution was to read it alongside my iPad, which worked, but wasn't as neat as it could have been. Better illustrations in the next edition please!

good introduction in to the topic I have enjoyed reading it,.