Today few would think of astronomy and astrology as fields related to theology. Fewer still would know that physically absorbing planetary rays was once considered to have medical and psychological effects. This book reveals how Renaissance artworks were designed to be not only beautiful but also - perhaps even primarily - functional.

The complete account of the architectural work of leading Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

Introduces Italian Renaissance art. This book tells the story of art in the great centres of Rome, Florence and Venice while profiling a range of other cities and sites throughout Italy. It presents the classic canon of Renaissance painting and sculpture, offering coverage of architecture, decorative and domestic arts, and print media.

This book traces the extraordinary works of painting, sculpture and architecture commissioned by Rome's church and civic nobility as part of their rival bids for power and prestige.

A century and a half of masterpieces is covered in this chronologically arranged volume that beautifully captures the development of art in a new age.