The Painted Page: Italian Renaissance Book Illumination 1450-1550

Prestel, 1994 4to (30 cm), 280 pp. Laminated wrappers. The catalogue of an exhibition at Royal Academy of Art, London, 27 October 1994 - 24 January 1995 and Pierpont Morgan Library, New York, 15 February - 7 May 1995. "This book documents the first comprehensive exhibition of Italian Renaissance illuminations from collections in Europe and the United States. 137 manuscripts, printed books with hand-painted illustrations and single pages are illustrated in full color, ranging from small prayer books to large choir books, and from Greek, Roman, and Italian literature to collections of fables and historical treatises. Many of these volumes were commissioned by powerful wealthy, and discriminating patrons who included members of the ruling Italian families as well as cardinals and popes and many of whom were also prominent bibliophiles. Among other fascinating issues, the mechanics of patronage, patterns of production, and formation of libraries are discussed in three essays and in the catalogue entries - the latter divided into eight thematic sections - written by noted specialists in the history of Renaissance manuscripts and books. And, of course, we are introduced to the artists themselves - their working habits, characteristic styles, and interrelationships." (from the publisher's description)