GRECO TO VELAZQUEZ: Art During the Reign of Philip III - Hardcover

Schroth, Sara

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0878467270 ISBN 13: 9780878467273

Publisher: Museum of Fine Arts Boston, 2008

Synopsis

Philip III (1578-1621), so often dismissed in favor of Philip II and Philip IV, actually presided over an era of crucial artistic development in Spain. His reign was a time of cultural and political vitality for the Spanish monarchy, as the king and his court, having successfully maintained a peaceful foreign policy in Europe (the "Pax Hispanica"), ushered in a style of grandeur where fabulous gala celebrations, building campaigns, picture collecting, recreation and travel were the order of the day. Accordingly, the art of this period flourished, witnessing the birth of a naturalistic style that was variously reflected in a new attention to detail and spatiality in court portraiture, the thriving of still life, the humanizing of saints and the development of polychrome sculpture. Focusing on the careers of the mature El Greco and the young Velazquez, which bookend this exciting period of resurgent court culture, this volume also investigates the works of lesser-known but highly talented artists who exerted a critical influence on the development of Spanish painting. Essays by several noted scholars provide indispensable perspectives on the historical, literary, cultural and religious context in which these artists lived. The product of 20 years of research and illustrated with a sumptuousness befitting its subject, El Greco to Velazquez is sure to become a standard reference for enthusiasts of Spanish art.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Published to accompany a major traveling exhibition, this work records a fertile and innovative period in Spanish art history. The court of Philip III (1578–1621) ushered in a time of elaborate celebrations and religious festivals, a major expansion in new building, and an unprecedented rage for art collecting in the Spanish court. Spain's art became more naturalistic and expressive; the royal portraits are masterpieces of detailed elegance, and the religious figures have reality and solidity new to the genre. By treating not only the best-known artists but also less-well-known contributors to the changing approach to painting, Baer (senior curator, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) and Schroth (senior curator, Nash Museum, Duke Univ.) offer a series of elegant and enlightening essays. This is far more than an exhibition catalog: it is an impressive exposition of a significant transition period in Spanish art and culture. With splendid illustrations (170 color plates), detailed biographies of the exhibited artists, and extensive notes, this is an important contribution and deserves a place in every art library, academic library, and large public collection.—Paula Frosch, Metropolitan Museum of Art Lib., New York
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Edition details

• Publisher: Museum of Fine Arts Boston
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0878467270
• ISBN 13: 9780878467273
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352