Irving Lavin Books

The book comprises six lectures presented by Irving Lavin at the National Gallery of Art in 2004, part of the esteemed Andrew W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts series. Lavin's discussions aim to share contemporary thought and scholarship with the public. Over the following fifteen years, he further refined and expanded upon these initial lectures, offering deeper insights into the themes and ideas explored in his original presentations.

The book explores the profound shift in human consciousness during the Italian Renaissance, particularly in the 15th century. It examines how the emergence of the "new man" marked a transition from the collective mindset of the Middle Ages to an individual awareness of the past. This newfound internal consciousness enabled individuals to make choices about existence, leading to the revival of classical art and culture. The author argues that this transformation not only influenced human behavior but also gave rise to a distinctive Renaissance artistic style.

Covering a wide spectrum of art history, this two-volume collection compiles Irving Lavin's extensive studies, excluding those on Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It explores artistic developments from Late Antiquity through to twentieth-century painting in New York, highlighting the evolution of styles and cultural influences over centuries. Lavin's scholarship provides valuable insights into the interplay between art and its historical context, making it a significant resource for art historians and enthusiasts alike.