Monica Girardi Books

This art guide examines the life and work of Giotto and analyses his masterpieces in detail, placing them in their social and historical context.

Raffael is a true universal genius of the High Renaissance, renowned as a painter and architect in Florence and Rome, working under the patronage of popes and princes. His masterful drawings illustrate his thought and working processes from initial design to final composition. This volume gathers around 150 drawings and paintings, encompassing all significant projects of the artist. Raffael (1483-1520) ranks among the most important masters in art history, alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The most significant and beautiful drawings and paintings presented here provide an overview of all his creative phases, from the early Umbrian period through his years in Florence to his time in Rome. This wealth of material allows for an examination of Raffael's design methods and his preparatory processes for panel and canvas paintings as well as frescoes. Another focus is on the materials he used, such as silverpoint, pen, ink, charcoal, and red chalk, to achieve specific artistic objectives.