Watson has chosen a single Renaissance painting, Paolo Veronese's Wisdom and Strength, on which to base a freewheeling group portrait of some 20 of the richest, most powerful art patrons of the last 400 years, from "mad Hapsburg Emperor Rudolph II," who commissioned the painting, to robber baron Henry Clay Frick, whose estate now owns it. By explaining how and why the painting journeyed from owner to owner, Watson sheds light on topics ranging from the "secret meanings of allegory" to the dominant hues of Thomas Hope's (of Hope Diamond fame) drawing room. Yet, though he describes his book as the biography of a painting, Wisdom and Strength itself receives only a fraction of the attention lavished on the characters and habits of its owners. And while the author discusses such art historical developments as the rise of mannerism, the relationship of the baroque to the Counter-Reformation and the changing role of the artist in society, Watson's main concern is the nature of high-powered art dealing.

From Publishers Weekly

Watson has chosen a single Renaissance painting, Paolo Veronese's Wisdom and Strength , on which to base a freewheeling group portrait of some 20 of the richest, most powerful art patrons of the last 400 years, from "mad Hapsburg Emperor Rudolph II," who commissioned the painting, to robber baron Henry Clay Frick, whose estate now owns it. By explaining how and why the painting journeyed from owner to owner, Watson ( Caravaggio Conspiracy ) sheds light on topics ranging from the "secret meanings of allegory" to the dominant hues of Thomas Hope's (of Hope Diamond fame) drawing room. Yet, though he describes his book as the biography of a painting, Wisdom and Strength itself receives only a fraction of the attention lavished on the characters and habits of its owners. And while the author discusses such art historical developments as the rise of mannerism, the relationship of the baroque to the Counter-Reformation and the changing role of the artist in society, Watson's main concern is the nature of high-powered art dealing. Photos not seen by PW .
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Mooney's bookstore
Netherlands

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Shipping Terms

Shipping rates from Netherlands to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Netherlands to U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 21 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 17.37	US$ 40.60

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.