Christian Art: Storytelling from Giotto to Donatello

Recounting biblical stories through visual images was considered the most prestigious form of commission for a Renaissance artist. In his book, Jules Lubbock explores some of the most renowned pictorial narratives created by artists like Giovanni Pisano, Duccio, Giotto, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Masaccio. He delves into how these artists depicted key biblical events - such as the Sacrifice of Isaac, the Annunciation, the Feast of Herod, and the Trial and Passion of Jesus - in a way that made them easily recognizable yet captivating enough to hold our attention and spark our imagination, encouraging us to delve deeper into their meanings.

Lubbock presents evidence suggesting that the Church preferred images that could be interpreted in this manner, and he provides detailed descriptions of the works themselves to illustrate how the process of deciphering their meanings can be an enjoyable experience. This captivating book is filled with illustrations, including specially-taken photographs that show how the paintings and relief sculptures were originally intended to be viewed in their respective settings. When seen from these perspectives, the artworks take on a new life and become more accessible to those seeking to understand them.

product information: