The Sculpture of Donatello by Janson, H.W - 1957

Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1957. Hardbound. VG/ fair, Dustjackets have defects but are there in spirit. Dark blue gray boards with red paper DJ, Vol. 1: xxvii, (3), plates 1-472. Vol. 2: [viii] 260 pp plus [40] pp of plates profuse BW plates including one large fold out. ncorporates the notes and photographs of the late Jeno Lanyi. This body of work makes possible for the first time the new approach to Donatello envisaged by Lanyi: a redefinition of the master's oeuvre on the basis of the most rigorous critical standards. The aim of the book, Dr. Janson writes, is "to lay the foundations for future research by means of a thorough critical apparatus designed to establish as firmly as possible the 'original text' of Donatello's oeuvre." Accordingly, the text of the critical catalogue provides for every work a complete summary of the current state of scholarship and a detailed analysis of problems of style and iconography. There is also a catalogue of the more important among rejected attributions, illustrated for comparison with authentic pieces. Quite apart from its importance to scholars, this publication will provide rich enjoyment for all art lovers in its feast of illustrations. VOl. 1 is almost entirely plates, Vol. 2 mostly text.