eview by Jennifer McGaw

Of great use to the student of Renaissance painting and illumination. This is a primary source for painting methods, written in 15th century Florence. While most of Cennini's methods are superseded by modern technology (who needs to know how to keep miniver tails from getting motheaten?), the descriptions for techniques such as gilding, making period transparent paper, ink making, and metalpoint are invaluable. As with most period "how-to" books, it is as much a commentary as it is a manual; Cennini livens up the page with advice for the fledgling artist such as the proper frame of mind for entering the profession, and how to stop shaking hands by staying away from women.

-back to the bookliste-