Description
Book Synopsis: A panoramic history of the antiquarians whose discoveries transformed Renaissance culture and gave rise to new forms of art and knowledge.
In the early fifteenth century, a casket containing the remains of the Roman historian Livy was unearthed at a Benedictine abbey in Padua. The find was greeted with the same enthusiasm as the bones of a Christian saint, and established a pattern that antiquarians would follow for centuries to come. The Art of Discovery tells the stories of the Renaissance antiquarians who turned material remains of the ancient world into sources for scholars and artists, inspirations for palaces and churches, and objects of pilgrimage and devotion.
Maren Elisabeth Schwab and Anthony Grafton bring to life some of the most spectacular finds of the age, such as Nero’s Golden House and the wooden placard that was supposedly nailed to the True Cross. They take readers into basements, caves, and cisterns, explaining how digs were undertaken and shedding light on the methods antiquarians—and the alchemists and craftspeople they consulted—used to interpret them. What emerges is not an origin story for modern archaeology or art history but rather an account of how early modern artisanal skills and technical expertise were used to create new knowledge about the past and inspire new forms of art, scholarship, and devotion in the present.
The Art of Discovery challenges the notion that Renaissance antiquarianism was strictly a secular enterprise, revealing how the rediscovery of Christian relics and the bones of martyrs helped give rise to highly interdisciplinary ways of examining and authenticating objects of all kinds.
Details
Unlock the mysteries of Renaissance culture with "The Art of Discovery: Digging into the Past in Renaissance Europe"! This captivating book takes you on a journey through time as it delves into the stories of the Renaissance antiquarians who transformed ancient artifacts into sources of knowledge and inspiration. Discover how relics and remains were revered, admired, and even used to create new forms of art and scholarship.
Immerse yourself in the world of early modern archaeology as Maren Elisabeth Schwab and Anthony Grafton bring to life the most breathtaking discoveries of the age. From the grandeur of Nero's Golden House to the sacred wooden placard said to have been nailed to the True Cross, these remarkable finds will leave you in awe. Through their vivid descriptions, you'll feel as if you're exploring hidden basements, secretive caves, and enigmatic cisterns alongside these passionate antiquarians.
But "The Art of Discovery" goes beyond mere excavation. It reveals how the skills of alchemists and craftspeople were employed in deciphering these ancient artifacts. By peeling back the layers of history, the authors showcase how early modern artisans used their technical expertise to unlock the secrets of the past and create new knowledge for the present.
Contrary to popular belief, Renaissance antiquarianism was not solely a secular endeavor. Schwab and Grafton demonstrate how the rediscovery of Christian relics and the bones of martyrs played a pivotal role in inspiring interdisciplinary examinations and authentications of various objects. This book paints a comprehensive picture, showcasing how the past influenced art, scholarship, devotion, and how it continues to shape our understanding today.
Embark on a remarkable journey into the heart of the Renaissance. Experience the thrill of discovery and witness the birth of new knowledge. Don't miss out on "The Art of Discovery: Digging into the Past in Renaissance Europe." Grab your copy today and be transported to a world where the remnants of the past unlock the secrets of the present. Click here to explore more!
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