Mysteries and Curiosities in Art History: The Secret Stories Behind Famous Masterpieces from Leonardo da Vinci to Van Gogh (Perspectives on Art)
ANT
• Instant access to your digital edition.
• Read anytime, anywhere, on your favorite device.
• No shipping — your book is delivered digitally.
• Simple, secure access after purchase.
Instant digital delivery after purchase.
Discover another great read to add to your digital library.
Description
Think you know art history? Think again. Every masterpiece has a double life. Behind the breathtaking beauty of the world’s greatest paintings, sculptures, and architectural wonders lies a hidden world of bizarre misunderstandings, scandalous lawsuits, financial greed, and esoteric secrets.
In Mysteries and Curiosities in Art History , art historian and architect Simone de Bartolo takes you on a captivating, fast-paced journey behind the scenes of the art world. Leaving dry academic jargon behind, this book shines a light on the human, eccentric, and downright strange stories that shaped history's most iconic creations—from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Inside this volume, you will discover:
The Underpants of Modern Art: The obscure painter who was hired to censor and repaint a massive, politically embarrassing post-war fresco by Mario Sironi.
The Art World's Taxi Meter: Step into the studio of Guercino, who ran his career like a business, charging strict, non-negotiable prices based on how much of a body he had to paint.
Esoteric Legends & Wine Fountains: Unravel the gothic mysteries of Naples' Sansevero Chapel and the Veiled Christ , and explore the fascinating theory that Donatello's bronze Judith and Holofernes was actually designed to spout wine.
Furious Models & Staged Scandals: Why the respectable actors and artists who modeled for Degas’s L’Absinthe were absolutely outraged to find themselves immortalized as alcoholic vagrants.
Hilarious Names & Delicious Origins: Why the famously named Il Sodoma was actually a highly respectable gentleman, and how a Venetian painter's signature red hues inspired a world-famous raw beef dish.
Rebel Builders and Outlaws: Meet Armando Brasini, the visionary architect who ignored modern trends, drew inspiration from Piranesi, and dared to design a monumental Homeric Bridge to link Sicily and the mainland.
Perfect for history buffs, curious travelers, and art lovers alike, Mysteries and Curiosities in Art History is a witty, deeply researched, and beautifully written tribute to the human drama behind the masterpieces.
Scroll up, click Buy Now, and start uncovering the secrets of the masters today!
Specifications
Frequently asked
Do I need an account to download?
No. After purchase, you can access your ebook directly from the order confirmation or download page.
What if a copy arrives damaged?
Contact us and we’ll help you access the file or provide a replacement download if needed.