The History of Painting in Italy, Vol. 1 (of 6) From the Period of the Revival of the Fine Arts to the End of the Eighteenth Century

This volume offers a sweeping overview of Italian painting from the early revival of the fine arts through the close of the eighteenth century, concentrating on the two great artistic centres of Florence and Siena. Rendered from the original Italian, the work balances scholarly detail with clear, readable narrative, making it a useful guide for both newcomers and seasoned art lovers. The translator’s notes acknowledge the challenges of conveying centuries‑old terminology, ensuring the reader receives an accurate yet approachable account.

Organized into distinct epochs, the book traces the emergence of early Tuscan painters before Giotto, follows the flourishing of the Florentine school with figures such as Leonardo and Michelangelo, and examines the rise of engraving on copper and wood. It then turns to the Sienese tradition, exploring foreign influences, the city’s stylistic evolution, and the revival sparked by the Salimbeni family. Throughout, vivid descriptions of key artworks and the cultural forces that shaped them bring the Renaissance and Baroque periods to life.