Timothy Verdon

Thanks to innovative Gigapixel technology, the lush original colors and remarkable details of Michelangelo s masterpiece can be seen in a series of unprecedented close-up photographs. The volume explores the history of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo s The Last Judgement, widely considered his magnum opus, as well as sublime contributions by Renaissance master painters Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Perugino, Rosselli, and Signorelli. Believed to be 'the greatest representation of human art and spirituality' in the world, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited artworks globally with nearly 22,000 daily visitors, yet it is also part of one of humanity s most sacred spaces, a consecrated chapel at the Vatican, the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. This book is an essential tool in helping the viewer understand the beauty and meaning of this most sublime work of art and architecture.

The iconic Dome of the Cathedral of Florence, the largest masonry vault in the world, was built by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1420 and 1436. More than 100 years later, between 1572 and 1579, the vault was decorated with frescos by the artists Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari depicting the Last Judgment. Working with advanced imaging technology, total access, and Italy’s leading art photographer, this book presents in never-before-seen detail and completeness the entire pictorial cycle of the Dome. Contributions by noted art historians Marco Bussagli, Mina Gregori, and Timothy Verdon illuminate the art historical significance of this magnificent symbol of Florence and the Renaissance. Text in English and Italian.

Beato Angelico offers a unique encounter with the celebrated painter, Fra Angelico, seen through the eyes of Monsignor Timothy Verdon. As an art historian and (like Angelico) a Catholic priest, Monsignor Verdon approaches the work of the only artist ever beatified through the theological lens it deserves, bringing together Fra Angelico's art and his faith. Praised by his contemporaries, by later art historians, and by generations of viewers, Fra Angelico's art is known for its exceptional combination of piety and painterly skill. In this book, Monsignor Verdon explores the spiritual and mystical foundations of the friar-painter's work, and traces his artistic evolution from his early work, to the frescoes for the covent of San Marco in Florence, his Annunciations, and the chapel for Pope Niccolo V. Lavishly illustrated with over 200 high-quality images, Beato Angelico illuminates Fra Angelico's art and his faith.

"The grace of God, our savior, in these last days appeared in his servant Francis to all who are truly humble and truly friends of holy poverty." Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis Art historian Timothy Verdon tells the story of the life of St. Francis of Assisi in story and art. The 28 stunning thirteenth-century frescoes by Giotto that cover the walls of the famous Basilica in Assisi named for the saint are reproduced in full color, together with a schematic drawing showing their placement in the church. Through detailed descriptions and illuminating commentary on each of the famous frescoes, Verdon tells the story of Francis's extraordinary life, allowing today's reader the opportunity to "read" the art on those walls in the same way that a medieval Christian might have done.

This remarkable and beautiful new volume examines twenty-three major artworks that were produced to decorate Sta. Maria del Fiore in Florence, better known to visitors as the Duomo, or cathedral, in the first decades of the 1400s. These include nine works alone by Donatello, considered one of the greatest and most influential Italian sculptors, including his masterpiece Lo Zuccone, and The Evangelist John which inpsired Michelangelo. There are also detailed discussions of the gilded bronze doors Ghiberti made for the neighboring Florence Baptistery. The volume includes images of the recently cleaned panels from his second set of doors, known as the Gates of Paradise, as well as photographs of his first doors that highlight the remarkable results of an ongoing restoration campaign. With four chapters by leading scholars, and a catalogue presenting over 50 superb colour plates of the artworks, beautifully photographed by leading art photographer Antonio Quattrone, this volume explains how these masterpieces had a profound impact on the art of the Italian Renaissance. This is a major new scholarly survey, and will become a seminal text on the artistic imagination, creativity and skill of the Florentine Renaissance.

Florence Cathedral, familiarly called Il Duomo, is an architectural masterpiece and home to celebrated works of art. The interrelationship between the brilliant art and architecture and the Cathedral’s musical program is explored in depth in this beautiful book. Perhaps the most beloved example is Luca della Robbia’s sculptural program for the organ loft, comprising ten sculptural relief panels that depict children singing, dancing, and making music. Luca’s charming sculptures are examined alongside luxurious illuminated manuscripts commissioned for musical performances. Essays by distinguished scholars provide new insights into the original function and meaning of Luca’s sculptures; organs and organists during the 15th century; the roles played by women and girls—as well as men and boys—in making music throughout Renaissance Florence; and the Cathedral’s illuminated choir books. Published in association with the High Museum of Art, AtlantaExhibition Schedule:High Museum of Art, Atlanta(10/25/14–01/11/15)Detroit Institute of Arts(02/06/15–05/17/15)

Florentine artists have represented Mary in every moment and event of her life: historical, meta-historical and legendary. Yet they have never been mere Madonnari / Madonna painters repeating conventional images, promoting traditional piety. In their hands, the typical subjects of Marian iconography have dilated, becoming occasions of profound, often mystical reflection. The painters and sculptors of Florence have presented God s mother as the 'all holy', but also as a human being and above all as a woman. This small book seeks to suggest, through specific examples, the depth and originality of their approach. It neither discusses every master and masterpiece (an impossible task), nor illustrates every Marian theme. It narrates and, in so doing, relates significant episodes in a process of research that has evolved across a thousand years: a process which in Mary painted and carved has shown Florence and the world the beauty of Christian faith and life. The book illustrates, among others, works by Giotto, Bernardo Daddi, Masaccio, Donatello, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Andrea del Sarto and Pontormo. Timothy Verdon, born in New Jersey nel 1946, is an art historian trained at Yale University. In Italy since the 1960s, Verdon is a priest of the Archdiocese of Florence, where he directs the Office for Catechesis Through Art. Organiser of international meetings on themes related to religious art, he is author of books and articles in English and Italian, including L arte sacra in Italia. L immaginazione religiosa dal paleocristiano al postmoderno (Milan: Mondadori, 2001). He is a Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Board of Administrators of the Cathedral Foundation, a Fellow of the Harvard University Centre for Italian Renaissance Studies (Villa I Tatti), and gives courses for Stanford University and the Central Italian Theology School. 67 colour illustrations