From Library Journal
Titian's work has been admired and analyzed in countless studies over the centuries, from the classic study by Vasari to Filippo Pedrocco's recent, well-received catalogue raison . But most scholars minimize the seemingly impenetrable forest of Titian's early work. Joannides (art history, Cambridge), the first to present an entire book devoted to Titian's youthful oeuvre, tries to identify the trees. His main purpose is to establish that the themes developed early in Titian's career were carried out in his later works. Using the latest research and attributions, the author rearranges the usual assigned chronology of Titian's paintings and weaves a thread through his relationship with Giorgione, the Bellinis, and del Piombo. Titian was competitive with Michelangelo's compositions and Raphael's portraiture in the development of figure painting. Ultimately, the author is convincing, making constant reference and cross reference and moving from visual link to visual link in the paintings. The book has a unique feature, a historiographical table that documents the attribution of Titian paintings by prominent scholars, as well as 146 color and 126 black-and-white illustrations. This densely written and fully realized scholarship is suited for connoisseurs of Renaissance painting as well as academics, curators, and artists. It should be considered for acquisition by large public, museum, and academic libraries. Ellen Bates, New York City
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
'Filled with penetrating insights, as well as vivid descriptions, the book provides a compelling introduction to Venetian painting.' --
James Hall, The Independent, 8 December 2001'[an] enthralling and ravishingly beautiful account' --
Michael Hall, Country Life, 20 December 2002
