Dimensions
234 x 139 x 18mm
This book describes in a unique and personal manner the art treasures of the Vatican Museums' the Sistine Chapel' and the Basilica of Saint Peter. Professor Enrico Bruschini-an official guide of the Eternal City and formerly Fine Art Curator of the American Embassy in Rome-gives the fruit of his many years of experience in answering the questions of foreign art historians and curious tourists as they pass before the masterpieces of Rome.
The Vatican Museums present a vast collection of art assembled in Rome by the papacy over the course of more than 1500 years. Many weeks would be needed to view all of these works. For this reason' Professor Bruschini has selected those artworks of greatest interest' and he explains their history and significance in a complete' accessible fashion. Many of these masterpieces are here illustrated with photographs from the Vatican Archives' some of which are rare and formerly unpublished. In addition to explaining the artistic merits of each piece' Professor Bruschini also calls attention to the many curiosities surrounding a work' its creator' or the particular historical moment of its conception. In this way' the work of art comes alive to the viewer; we almost see it as though coming forth from the artist's hands' and we understand better the effect it might have excited five hundred or two thousand years ago.
The book is organized according to the physical layout of the Vatican Museums. Professor Bruschini examines the paintings of the Pinacotheca' especially the pictures of Raphael' Leonardo da Vinci' and Caravaggio. He pays particular attention to the Greek and Roman statues admired by Michelangelo and demonstrates the influence of these ancient works on his creation of the Sistine Ceiling. Two brief sections are dedicated to the most significant works of the Egyptian Museum and the Etruscan Museum. The frescoes of Raphael in his celebrated "Stanze Vaticane" are fully explained' and the powerful daily influence of the contemporary frescoes by Michelangelo are also celebrated. A large section of the book discusses the Sistine Chapel. After the recent cleaning' the masterpiece of Michelangelo has reappeared in all its splendid luminosity. The technique and narrative of the frescoes are explained in clear language. Professor Bruschini finishes with a description of the masterpieces and curiosities-many previously unpublished-of the Basilica of St. Peter and its Square.
Black-and-white illustrations run throughout the text' and a 16-page color insert brings to life some of the most beautiful works. There are two maps by the author completing the work. The first map assists the visitor in selecting different itineraries based on his/her available time or his/her preference for certain works of art or certain time periods. The second map shows the location of the most significant works of art' such as the Pietà by Michelangelo located in St. Peter's Basilica.
To allow readers to create a personal itinerary without omitting the true masterpieces of the Vatican Museums' the works of greatest artistic and historical interest have been signaled with an asterisk. All artistic and human curiosities related to the works of art-including Professor Bruschini's more personal comments-are printed in a smaller font to enable readers on a strict time budget to distinguish these notes from the key information. However' if read before or during the visit' these comments help explain the unique characteristics of each work of art' and make this book an interesting and pleasant read at home' as well as an invaluable guide in situ.
A foreword is provided by Cokie Roberts.
