Victoria & Albert Museum's New Medieval and Renaissance Art Books
By STAN PARCHIN 
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Giovanni Pisano (Italian, from Pisa; ca. 1250-after 1314). Figure of the Crucified Christ, ca. 1300. Painted and gilt ivory. 15.3 x 6 cm (6 x 2 3/8 in.). Victoria & Albert Museum. |
July 23, 2009
To coincide with the November 2009 debut of the East Wing’s three-level, 10-gallery re-installation devoted to medieval and Renaissance art, London's Victoria & Albert Museum is publishing five hardcover texts. Together they describe aspects of European civilization and culture from 300 to 1600 A.D. as represented by outstanding works in the V&A's world-famous collection. The objects' fresh interpretation was funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
Townsend, Eleanor. Death and Art: Europe 1200-1530. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 2009.
Medieval and Renaissance Europe's dismal attitude regarding death was influenced by a 40-year life expectancy, pestilence and the Catholic Church's teachings about a hellish afterlife. Eleanor Townsend's book explains the European preoccupation with mortality from the High Middle Ages through the early 16th Century. The author describes Christians’ understanding of purgatory, indulgences, salvation, protective amulets and pilgrimages as well as funerary painting, sculpture and architecture.
Patterson, Angus. Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 2009.
Angus Patterson offers a lively evaluation of Renaissance arms and armor in the Victoria & Albert Museum's collection, including those of France's Henri IV (r. 1580-1610) and Spain's Philip III (r. 1598-1621). The author examines embossed and gilded parade suits, weaponry and their relation to paintings and sculptures of the period.
Campbell, Marion. Medieval Jewellery in Europe 1100-1500. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 2009.
Marion Campbell's text explores the cultural significance of jewelry during the European Middle Ages and early Renaissance. The book examines bracelets, crosses, necklaces and rings of royals, aristocrats and commoners, including their representation in portraiture and sculpture.
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Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, 1452-1519). Codex Forster 11, 3v-4r, ca. 1505. Pen and ink. 14.5 x 11.5 x 2 cm (5 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 3/24 in.). Forster Bequest. Victoria & Albert Museum. |
Davies, Glyn and Kristin Kennedy. Medieval and Renaissance Art: People and Possessions. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 2009.
The book's historical introduction to medieval and Renaissance Europe is followed by descriptions of religious and secular art, workshops, attitudes about the classical past, health and other subjects through paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, prints, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, jewelry, furniture and textiles from the museum's collection.
Wheeler, Jo. Renaissance Secrets: Recipes and Formulas. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 2009.
The secret world of Renaissance lotions and potions is revealed through recipes and formulas for aphrodisiacs, cosmetics, medicines, printing materials, paint pigments and other 15th- and 16th-century necessities. Illustrated with objects from the Victoria & Albert Museum, the author provides insight into the uses of exotic, obscure and toxic ingredients.