Siting Federico Barocci and the Renaissance Aesthetic

Gillgren (art history, Stockholm U., Sweden) brings forward the Urbino painter Federico Barocci (1535-1612), who is less widely known than he should be outside of the scholars and connoisseurs who admire his "site-specific character and fascinating blend of integrity and intimacy towards viewers...." The author continues in his preface to state that although the study will contribute to appreciation of the artist, he conceived his investigation as a study of "how works of art relate to viewing--not about individual artists or spectators." He looks at aesthetic communication in the Early Modern period, clarifies and differentiates aesthetic principles though an examination of Barocci's art, and presents a catalogue of work. The book is abundantly illustrated mostly with b&w plates, although a few are in color. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Peter Gillgren is Anders Zorn Professor of Art History at Stockholm University, Sweden.