FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Paolo Veronese was one of the greatest artists of the cinquecento in Venice. His combination of innovation and tradition captured the character and sense of pride of social and political life in the Veneto. His religious paintings, often conceived on a huge scale and intended for public display, played an active part in the religious life of that city - at times a provocative one - bringing the artist into conflict with the Inquisition." "With 117 illustrations (26 in colour), the book sets Veronese's religious work in context. In particular, the author explores Veronese's mastery of narrative and the new expressiveness of his last works painted at a time when the Venetian churches were commissioning large-scale work to renew their decorative schemes, and the decoration of the city's palaces set a new pattern of lavish display." Despite his towering reputation, there have been few books in English on Veronese. The culmination of years of research on the artist by Richard Cocke, the leading authority on Veronese in the English-speaking world, Paolo Veronese offers the most ready avenue to understanding Veronese's work, both secular and religious.

SYNOPSIS

Art historians whose interests include Italian painting during the era of the Counter Reformation will welcome this in-depth treatment of the oeuvre of Veronese. Cocke (art history, U. of East Anglia, UK) draws on his long familiarity with the painter as he details his many paintings, providing both formal analysis and the details of the history of the commission when known. The political and religious changes taking place in Italy are detailed to show the adjustments Veronese made in producing works that conformed to the cult of saints promoted following the Council of Trent. The volume is well illustrated with 117 plates, 26 of them in color. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

FROM THE CRITICS

Caroline van Eck