Giovanni Bellini: The Art of Contemplation

The fact that the reproductions are matt and not gloss makes them easier to view in detail.And detail is important for Bellini.The size is another asset, for the same reason.Comparisons with other artists is interesting, also.A book to return to constantly.

nice art work

This is a (very) large format, lushly published monograph on one of the best known and most beloved artists of the Early Italian Renaissance period. I admit that for me personally, Bellini's paintings are up there at the top with the paintings by Leonardo, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Bruegel, Poussin and Picasso from Blue/Rose period... In other words, I can spend a long time in front of any of these artists paintings without ever tiring, and Bellini's paintings certainly have the depth of intent and the artistry to sustain such prolonged focused interest.I also own several monographs on Bellini, as well as an assortment of other books focusing on his individual paintings or subject matters. some of which are rare. So, I have read enough of art criticism, and understand his works sufficiently that the textual information within this book is of lesser importance to me at this point. I do not doubt it is of adequate quality, but given the overall luxury of this tome, do not expect it to be an in-depth academic study of the artist of PhD caliber.Besides, if you wish to read a book nowadays - you can do so on an iPad or a Nook or any other ebook reader.The only reason to actually purchase an art book of this size and weight is the quality of reproductions that no screen can duplicate, beside the obvious matter of any e-reader screen being back-lit, with potentially skewed color balance, etc. In terms of quality of its reproductions, I think this large tome excels. Nothing can replace seeing pictures in the largest format possible. This is the reason one can usually purchase a three-quarter sized book from the same publisher for half-price! (not yet for this one, but, given the record of such practice from Taschen, Prestel and others, it is just a matter of time when this book is shrank into a more shelf-friendly format).But I personally find that extra 25% of increase in picture size makes it worth the doubling of the price!This very large book will tax your bookshelves, and it is certainly not for everyone, but it makes a great gift for an art lover, and anyone else willing to sometimes pick this wonderful tome to contemplate well-done reproductions of some brilliant paintings at leisure. So, for an art lover - I heartily recommend it! For anyone more casual - wait till a smaller book comes along. Cheers!

Wonderful salontable book. Very nice edition

Very large and beautiful coffee table book on Giovanni Bellini with excellent full-color reproductions of his paintings. I highly recommend!

A beautiful and definitive book.