A Renaissance Christmas

Fülszöveg

RENAISSANCE CHRISTMAS
Renaissance works of art depicting the events of the Christmas story
have been touching the heart ^ and inspiring the imagination for centuries. The Madonna's humble surprise at the angel's message, the poignant sweetness of the newborn infant, the richly rendered fabric of the Wise Men's garments all combine in a time-honored picture of Christ's birth that is at once breathtaking and reassuring.
The National Gallery of Art is among the very finest museums of the world, and its collections of Renaissance masterworks—both Italian and Northern European—provide a treasure trove of images for illustrating the story of the Nativity and the events that surrounded it. A Renaissance Christmas is suffused with light and color, presenting works as well known as Raphael's Alba Madonna and The Adoration of the Shepherds as envisioned by Giorgione. Just as evocative, however, are perhaps less familiar works such as Juan de Flandes's nocturne depicting the Nativity, the... Tovább

Fülszöveg

RENAISSANCE CHRISTMAS
Renaissance works of art depicting the events of the Christmas story
have been touching the heart ^ and inspiring the imagination for centuries. The Madonna's humble surprise at the angel's message, the poignant sweetness of the newborn infant, the richly rendered fabric of the Wise Men's garments all combine in a time-honored picture of Christ's birth that is at once breathtaking and reassuring.
The National Gallery of Art is among the very finest museums of the world, and its collections of Renaissance masterworks—both Italian and Northern European—provide a treasure trove of images for illustrating the story of the Nativity and the events that surrounded it. A Renaissance Christmas is suffused with light and color, presenting works as well known as Raphael's Alba Madonna and The Adoration of the Shepherds as envisioned by Giorgione. Just as evocative, however, are perhaps less familiar works such as Juan de Flandes's nocturne depicting the Nativity, the gentle portrayal of the expectant Mary with Joseph, painted by an anonymous French artist of the fifteenth century, and Mantegna's startling Christ Child Blessing.
Each painting, engraving, and woodcut is accompanied by the appropriate verses from the gospels in the King James Bible, making this the perfect read-aloud
family Christmas book. Further, selections from the Old Testament prophecies, from poetry by Renaissance-era poets such as Donne, Crashaw, and Southwell, and from traditional carols—some well known, others rare—enhance the volume.
Whether it renews acquaintance with the Christmas story, reveals the glories of the National Gallery's magnificent collection, or introduces a child to the story and the art, A Renaissance Christmas will surely become a part of its owner's annual holiday tradition.
I"^ he National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1937, opened in 1941, and almost immediately assumed its position as one of the preeminent collections of art in the world. Housed in two buildings on the Mall, the National Gallery is a magnet for millions of the visitors who come to the nation's capital each year. Several of the beautiful Christmas-story paintings in the collection have become well known when reproduced as United States Christmas stamps.
Jacket illustrations: (front) Juan de Flandes, The Nativity; (back) Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia, The Adoration of the Magi
Jacket design by Martine Bruel Vissza