Marco Bussagli

From the same series as Abrams' successful "Saints: A Year in Faith and Art" comes "Angels", with representations of these celestial heralds from early Christian mosaics to the paintings of Marc Chagall. Art historian Marco Bussagli has organised the book by significant Biblical events, beginning with the Creation in Genesis and ending with John the Evangelist's vision of Heaven on Earth in Revelation; each episode is accompanied by the relevant chapter and verse, along with a brief text explain ing how the work of art fits into the iconography of the time. In addition to lesser-known works, Bussagli has included favourites such as Michelangelo's "Creation of Man in the Sistine Chapel", Lorenzo Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise", and Rembrandt's "Sacrifice of Isaac". Here are angels as assistants, messengers, punishers, soldiers, rebels and saviours, assembled for the delectation and delight of both scholars and believers.

The volume is divided into three chapters: Early Renaissance, High Renaissance and Mannerism. It includes palaces, buildings, villas, churches, hospitals, monasteries, squares, streets, fountains and flights of steps. The book is completed with drawings and maps. Colour throughout

" This book unfolds the magnificent panorama of the Eternal City, long recognized as the cultural capital of Europe, before the readers' eyes. Even into the twentieth century, artists from every corner of the globe were magically drawn to Rome, which served as their model and inspiration. The great epochs of occidental art are introduced, with the myriad masterpieces that have been created here serving as illustrations. The city is home to an inexhaustible supply of treasures from every area of the fine arts. Readers can follow the development of Rome and its artworks throughout the centuries; indeed, the course of Western civilization is reflected in the history of this monumental city. "

The architecture of the Italian Renaissance, theorized by artists such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti, influenced styles and trends of the following centuries throughout Europe and beyond. This volume offers a comprehensive compilation of Italian Renaissnace architecture--richly documented, illustrated, arranged by region, and including a glossary.