Imagining the Past in France: History in Manuscript Painting, 1250-1500 - Softcover

Elizabeth Morrison; Anne Hedeman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1606060295 ISBN 13: 9781606060292

Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2010

Synopsis

From around 1250 to the close of the fifteenth century, the most important and original work being done in secular illumination was unquestionably in French vernacular history manuscripts. This volume celebrates the vivid historical imagery produced during these years by bringing together some of the finest masterpieces of illumination created in the Middle Ages. It is the first major publication to focus on exploring the ways in which text and illumination worked together to help show medieval readers the role and purpose of history. The images enabled the past to come alive before the eyes of medieval readers by relating the adventures of epic figures such as Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, and even the Virgin Mary. Presented here are approximately fifty-five manuscripts from over twenty-five libraries and museums across the United States and Europe, supplemented by medieval objects ranging from tapestries to ivory boxes. Together they show...

About this title

Review:

"The catalogue's stimulating essays and entries are complemented by excellent reproductions and a generous bibliography that make it both a summary of the field and the foundation for the next generation of studies."--"The Burlington Magazine"

"This Getty Museum exhibition catalogue, lavishly illustrated in color, goes a long way toward rectifying the neglect of secular manuscripts in the study of medieval art history."--"Choice "

"The works discussed in this catalogue are among the greatest treasures of Western, if not global, book history."--"H-France Reviews"

The catalogue s stimulating essays and entries are complemented by excellent reproductions and a generous bibliography that make it both a summary of the field and the foundation for the next generation of studies. "The Burlington Magazine""

This Getty Museum exhibition catalogue, lavishly illustrated in color, goes a long way toward rectifying the neglect of secular manuscripts in the study of medieval art history. "Choice""

The works discussed in this catalogue are among the greatest treasures of Western, if not global, book history. "H-France Reviews""

The catalogue s stimulating essays and entries are complemented by excellent reproductions and a generous bibliography that make it both a summary of the field and the foundation for the next generation of studies. The Burlington Magazine

"

This Getty Museum exhibition catalogue, lavishly illustrated in color, goes a long way toward rectifying the neglect of secular manuscripts in the study of medieval art history. Choice

"

The works discussed in this catalogue are among the greatest treasures of Western, if not global, book history. H-France Reviews

"

[This book] celebrates one of the greatest chapters in the history of French art, when lavish illuminated manuscripts helped an entire nation to understand the present and plan for the future by revisualising the past. . . . This beautiful catalogue book convinces modern readers and viewers equally. European Review of History"

About the Author:

Elizabeth Morrison is curator in the Dept of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Anne D. Hedeman is Professor of Art History at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

About this edition

• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1606060295
• ISBN 13: 9781606060292
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 194