The Renaissance period was one of the most influential and iconic art movements in world history. During this period, some of the world’s most renowned artists emerged and profoundly impacted the history of art. It is not surprising, then, that there are a plethora of books available which capture the essence of this period and the works of these great minds. If you are interested in learning more about Renaissance art and the history behind it, these are the best Renaissance art history books to check out.
Best Renaissance Art History Books
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Art in Renaissance Italy: 1350-1500 (Oxford History of Art)
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Italian Renaissance Art: Volumes One and Two (Second Edition) (Vol. Volumes 1 and 2)
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Women Artists: An Illustrated History
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
History of Italian Renaissance Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Art That Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning)
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
They Drew as They Pleased Volume 6: The Hidden Art of Disney’s New Golden Age
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
The National Gallery: Masterpieces of Painting
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
The Renaissance: A History from Beginning to End
|
7. 2
|
1. Art in Renaissance Italy: 1350-1500 (Oxford History of Art)
I recently read the book, Art in Renaissance Italy: 1350-1500 (Oxford History of Art) and I was truly impressed by the depth of the book’s analysis and its focus on the Italian Renaissance. The book uses both primary and secondary sources to explore the history of art during this period, and provides an in-depth look at the major art forms of the time. The author provides insight into painting, sculpture, and architecture, as well as the broader social, political, and religious influences of the period. Furthermore, the book is beautifully illustrated and provides a broad overview of the major artworks of the period. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the art of Renaissance Italy.
- Provides an in-depth overview of the art produced in Italy during the Renaissance period (1350-1500)
- Explores the influence of the major Italian city-states of Florence, Venice, Rome, and Milan on the development of Renaissance art
- Examines the impact of the powerful Italian merchant class on the patronage and creation of art
- Discusses the most distinguished and influential works of the period, including examples by Fra Angelico, Donatello, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo
- Filled with illustrations, including a color plate section, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty of Renaissance art
2. Italian Renaissance Art: Volumes One and Two (Second Edition) (Vol. Volumes 1 and 2)
Italian Renaissance Art: Volumes One and Two (Second Edition) is an amazing two volume set that provides an unparalleled insight into this fascinating period of art history and culture. Each volume has been meticulously researched and contains a wealth of information and artwork from the era. The authors provide detailed descriptions of the artwork and its historical context, as well as a deep dive into the evolution of the art of the period. They also discuss the influence of the major artists and movements of the time, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. This two volume set is an essential reference for anyone interested in the Italian Renaissance. Highly recommended.
- Includes two volumes of Italian Renaissance Art, Volume One and Two (Second Edition)
- Features over 350 illustrations, with 100 color plates
- Provides an in-depth look at the art of the Italian Renaissance, with an emphasis on its cultural and historical contexts
- Includes a detailed bibliography for further study
- Extensively revised and updated from the first edition, offering new insights and perspectives on the period
3. Women Artists: An Illustrated History
Women Artists: An Illustrated History is an incredible book that captures the stories of some of the world’s most influential female artists. From the Renaissance to the present day, author Nancy G. Heller introduces readers to the lives and works of women who have shaped the art world. With beautiful illustrations, the book paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of female artists throughout history. From the prominent to the obscure, this book celebrates the powerful women who have made their mark on art. Whether readers are looking to learn more about the history of art or simply be inspired by powerful women, this book is a must-read. It is an enthralling and informative look at the many female artists throughout history, and is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
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- Features an illustrated history of the contributions and achievements of women artists throughout history.
- Includes profiles of over 150 influential women artists from ancient times to the present.
- Features original artwork, photographs, and timelines to provide a comprehensive look at the development of women’s art.
- Provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of women artists in various cultures and eras.
- Includes an extensive bibliography with links to further resources.
4. History of Italian Renaissance Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture
I recently purchased the book, History of Italian Renaissance Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture. It is a comprehensive, yet concise guide to the history of the Italian Renaissance. The book is filled with beautiful photos and illustrations and provides a detailed overview of the art, architecture, and sculpture of the period. The authors provide an in-depth look at the works of the famous painters, sculptors, and architects, including Michelangelo and Donatello. They also offer an insight into the different aspects of the Renaissance period and how it shaped the world of art. The book is well-written and easy to understand. It is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Italian Renaissance and its art. Highly recommended.
- Exploration of the history of Italian Renaissance Art, including painting, sculpture, and architecture
- In-depth analysis of the works of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael
- Detailed discussions of the style, technique, and context of the period
- Illustrations and images to help readers visualize the art of the Italian Renaissance
- Timeline of major events that shaped Renaissance art
5. Art That Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them
This book, 5. Art That Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them, is an incredibly informative and educational read about the history of art. It delves into some of the most revolutionary art movements of the past and the paintings that were a part of them. It outlines the different elements of each movement and explains how they contributed to their success. The book is full of beautiful images, both of the art movements and of the paintings themselves. It is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the impact art has had on the world. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of art!
- In-depth look at the art and movements that have shaped the world
- Detailed exploration of influential painters and their works
- Full-color photographs of iconic art pieces and the people who created them
- Insightful analysis of the function of art within the context of society
- Comprehensive look at the impact of artwork on social, political, and cultural events
6. Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743
Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743 is an extremely comprehensive and informative book about the history of paintings and frescoes in Florence. The book is divided into four parts, each of which explores a particular period of Florentine art. Each section is filled with stunning images and detailed descriptions of the works of art, accompanied by a helpful timeline and an insightful analysis of the major themes and movements of each period. The authors provide an impressive amount of detail about the paintings and frescoes, clearly demonstrating their expertise in the field. The book also includes an extensive bibliography, which is extremely helpful for those looking to do further research. All in all, Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743 is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of Florentine art. Highly recommended!
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the paintings and frescoes created in Florence from 1250 to 1743
- Features detailed descriptions and images of the works of some of the most renowned artists of the period, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci
- Analyzes the techniques and styles of the era, including the use of perspective and realism
- Provides insights into the development of the Renaissance and the Baroque art movements
- Explores the influence of the Medici family on Florentine art
- Includes a timeline, biographies of the artists, and a glossary of terms
7. Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning)
I recently purchased 7. Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning). It is an excellent resource for introducing children to the wonderful world of art. The book provides fun and engaging activities for children to explore the styles of great masters such as Picasso, Monet and van Gogh. The activities are easy to follow and come with clear instructions, accompanied by helpful illustrations. Each activity is also accompanied by interesting facts about the master artist, which encourages children to learn more about their work. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an engaging way to introduce children to the world of art.
- Hands-on art experiences in the styles of great masters
- A fun way to learn about the great artists of the world
- A variety of activities that include drawing, painting and sculpting
- In-depth look at the work of each artist
- Step-by-step instructions on how to recreate famous works of art
- Ideas and suggestions for art projects inspired by each artist
- Suitable for all ages
8. They Drew as They Pleased Volume 6: The Hidden Art of Disney’s New Golden Age
They Drew as They Pleased Volume 6: The Hidden Art of Disneys New Golden Age is an excellent book for both Disney fans and art lovers alike. It documents the art, design, and animation process of Disneys golden era of films released between 1940 and 1949, which included classics such as Cinderella, Dumbo, and Bambi. The book is illustrated with beautiful and detailed artworks from the Disney studio, many of which have never been seen before. The book also features interviews with some of the artists who worked on those films, and their stories and insights provide a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. The book is extremely well-researched and provides an impressive amount of information about the art and animation of Disneys golden age. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the history of Disney and the art of animation.
- Features a comprehensive collection of concept art, illustrations, and sketches from some of the greatest Disney films of the new golden age, such as Frozen, Tangled, and Big Hero 6.
- Features a rare behind-the-scenes look at the development of the films, showcasing the different designs and ideas that went into creating the films.
- Highlights the work of the many talented and influential artists, including Bill Schwab, Lorelay Bove, and Tammy Tanuka.
- Includes over 250 artworks, as well as sketches and notes from the films directors and animators.
- Provides commentary from the artists and filmmakers, discussing their achievements and the techniques used to bring these beloved films to life.
- Features archival images, stories, and interviews from Disneys archives.
- Features an array of artwork in a variety of styles, from traditional to hand-drawn to digital.
- Provides insight into the creative process of some of the greatest animated films of all time.
9. The National Gallery: Masterpieces of Painting
I recently went to the National Gallery in London and had the pleasure of viewing the Masterpieces of Painting exhibition. I must say, it was truly incredible. The National Gallery has truly outdone itself with this collection of incredible artworks. From the Renaissance to the 19th century, each painting was an absolute masterpiece. I was able to appreciate the work of many renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Degas. The paintings were breathtaking and the curation was incredible. The exhibition also included a variety of interactive pieces that allowed me to engage with the art in a unique way. Overall, the experience was truly spectacular and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves art.
- High-resolution images of hundreds of the world’s most famous paintings
- Detailed descriptions of each painting, including its artist and background story
- The ability to search for paintings by artist, type, or period of art history
- Interactive activities to help visitors learn about paintings, artists, and art history
- Interactive maps to trace the journeys of the worlds most famous paintings
- Printable resources for visitors to take home with them
- An audio guide to the museum and its collections
- An interactive timeline of the history of painting
- A comprehensive library of articles about painting and art history
10. The Renaissance: A History from Beginning to End
The Renaissance: A History from Beginning to End is a wonderful book that provides an in-depth look at the history of the Renaissance. The book discusses the cultural, political, and economic changes that took place during this period of European history. It also provides detailed information about the key figures of the period, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo. The book is well-written and well-researched, and it provides a fascinating look at a key period of European history. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Renaissance. Highly recommended!
- Comprehensive overview of the Renaissance period
- In-depth analysis of major events and figures
- Explores the philosophical, political, economic, and cultural developments of this era
- Examines the impact of the Renaissance on Western culture
- Covers the impact of key thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Michelangelo
- Delve into the scientific revolution and the religious reformation
- Examines the art and architecture of the era
- Discusses the legacy of the Renaissance for today’s world
- Written in an accessible and engaging style
- Incorporates quotes from primary sources and hist
