The Art of Mantua Power and Patronage in the Renaissance, with Guido Rebecchini, The Getty Publication, Los Angeles 2008 (original) (raw)

This book has been selected as one of Choice's Annual Outstanding Academic Titles in 2010. The book was chosen by the Choice editorial staff from among the 7,065 titles reviewed by Choice during the past year and is among a total of only 8 books in the 'fine arts' category. Choice says, "These outstanding works have been selected for their excellence in scholarship and presentation, the significance of their contribution to the field, and their value as important--often the first--treatment of their subject." See the attached review: With this publication, a survey by Rebecchini (Univ. of Siena) and Furlotti (independent scholar) on the art treasures of Mantua and the patronage of the Gonzaga now is available in English. The authors trace the rise and fall of the Gonzaga as patrons in eight chapters and discuss the transformation of Mantua into a rich ducal court that flourished into the 18th century. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs from the Scala Group and the J. Paul Getty Trust, this volume rivals the most spectacular coffee-table book (and dazzling exhibition catalogue). It offers an excellent visual guide to the city of Mantua. The essays that complement the illustrations are rich in historical detail and provide a wealth of information about architecture, painting, sculpture, and politics from the Renaissance period to the Baroque. Throughout the study, the authors review research by notable scholars and incorporate new findings. They also consider the provenance of important paintings by Mantegna, Titian, Guido Reni, Rubens, and other artists that were produced for Mantua but ultimately were not preserved there. It is a very important acquisition for academic and public libraries. Summing Up: Essential. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. -- D. H. Cibelli, Nicholls State University