From Library Journal
In tracing the life and art of Piero della Francesca, Cole explores the influences on the artist, including his debated sojourn in Florence in the 1430s and his affiliation and affinity for the works of Massacio, Donatello, Veneziano, Brunelleschi, Uccello, and others. He separates Piero's works into types and weaves together dense word picture descriptions for each, including the altarpieces, the frescoes, and the portraits. He also considers the artist's role in Renaissance culture, his important commissions, his technique, etc. Whether readers agree or not with Cole's assessment of Piero, they will find this fine, prolific historian (author of Renaissance Artist at Work, among other books) at his best in Part 1 and the Epilogue. With 95 illustrations in a 6 9 trim size, footnoted text, selected bibliography, and modest price tag, this book is a sensible purchase for most art book collections.- Ellen Bates, New YorkCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.