Overview

One of the most influential scholars of the Renaissance, Pietro Bembo (1470–1547) gained fame not only for his literary theory and poetry, but for his incredible collection of art and antiquities. Drawing on anecdotes from Bembo’s letters and unpublished archival material, Susan Nalezyty analyzes how Bembo’s collection functioned as a source of inspiration for artists like Titian and writers like Giovanni della Casa. As visitors to the collection marveled at the quality and variety of the displayed objects, Bembo encouraged investigations into the ways in which contemporary art compared with ancient objects. Often straddling the line between the visual and literary worlds, these critical discussions catalyzed artistic experiments that led to new modes of creative expression. This generously illustrated volume brings Bembo’s collection to life and reveals its key role in the development of Renaissance artistic philosophy and historical study of the classical past.   

Full Product Details

9780300219197

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Reviews

Nalezyty's analyses and many illustrations conjure a private museum which [...] greatly enhances our understanding of Renaissance taste and collecting practice. - Sarah Blake McHam, Art Newspaper An accessible and beautifully-illustrated celebration of Renaissance material culture - Martin T. Dinter and Astrid Khoo, Journal of Roman Studies

`Nalezyty's analyses and many illustrations conjure a private museum which [...] greatly enhances our understanding of Renaissance taste and collecting practice.' - Sarah Blake McHam, Art Newspaper

Author Information

Susan Nalezyty is the Archivist for the collection of historic artifacts and documents at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, and she also lectures on the history of art at Georgetown University. 

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