Synopsis
Ames-Lewis explores the ways in which painters and sculptors of the early Renaissance began to engage with intellectual questions, as they sought to elevate the craft of painting to a liberal art, like poetry. The cultural environment of the time was increasingly learned, and artists needed to develop their social and intellectual skills as well as artistic talents, which they did through contact with literary men and then by becoming writers - of poetry, biography, treatises and letters - themselves. It was over this period that the idea of the artist as a creative genius with an individual identity surfaced, and the author examines how changes in perception of the artist affected his output.
From the Back Cover
"Ames-Lewis provides an excellent guide to the ingenious and sometimes elaborate attempts by artists to raise their social profile, and so guarantee acceptance as courtiers and gentlefolk."— Joseph Rykwert, Times Literary Supplement "Opens our eyes, in an exciting and perceptive way, to many neglected aspects of the art of early Renaissance Europe and the lives of the men who made it."—Michael Hall, Country Life "A treasure trove of information."—Choice "Beautifully produced, in a blissfully manageable format . . . Professor Ames-Lewis has reopened an area that other scholars have shield away from for many years."—Evelyn Welch, Art Newspaper "[An] elegant book. . . . Ames-Lewis has written an excellent introduction to an important subject."— James Hall, Independent "The 150 illustrations deserve special praise for stinting on the familiar in favor of unusual and interesting works that make strong points about the social meaning of art."—Paul Raynes, Literary Review "The main merit of this book lies undoubtedly in its inclusiveness. This makes it a valuable resource for students who want to gain an oversight and who want to familiarize themselves with the debates on this topic. Ames-Lewis has here provided a compendium that will serve as a valuable starting point for further engagement."—Gabriele Neher, Art Book "Ames-Lewis provides an excellent guide to the ingenious and sometimes elaborate attempts by artists to raise their social profile, and so guarantee acceptance as courtiers and gentlefolk."—Joseph Rykwert, Times Literary Supplement "[A]n amazing compendium of information. . . What is impressive is the myriad aperçus Ames-Lewis has amassed." —Marilyn A. Lavin, CAA Reviews
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