The Northern Renaissance: Durer to Holbein

Description

The Northern Renaissance in Europe was a period of rapid social and religious change.This is reflected in much of the art of the period, which is further characterised by a fascinating range of subject-matter, superb technical skill and an interest in capturing likeness with almost psychological precision.The same period also saw a great rise in the importance of works on paper, especially prints. This book discusses works by Albrecht Durer and Hans Holbein - two of the greatest masters of the Northern Renaissance - together with a selection of paintings by Lucas Cranach. Encompassing portraiture, religion,mythology and allegory, these works are examined alongside others by such masters as Francois Clouet, Jan Gossaert and Joos van Cleve. Holbein's superlative drawings of members of the court of King HenryVIII can be seen side-by-side with finished paintings and miniatures of the same sitters; and this rich survey also includes illuminated manuscripts and early printed books.

Kate Heard is curator of prints and drawings in the Royal Collection Trust and deputy editor of the Journal of the History of Collections. Lucy Whitaker is assistant surveyor of the Queen's Pictures and coauthor of The Art of Italy in the Royal Collection: Renaissance and Baroque, also published by the Royal Collection Trust.

"Stunning color reproductions. . . . This catalogue will be useful not only for its images and excellent supporting bibliography, but also for its brilliant overview of the political and social upheaval that occurred during the lifetime of the two great masters of the Northern Renaissance--Albrecht Durer and Hans Holbein the younger. Highly recommended."-- "Choice" (1/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)