Vulcan's forge in venus' city: the story of bronze in venice, 1350-1650

This book tells, for the first time, the story of bronze in Renaissance Venice. Previously unpublished documents provide an invaluable resource for the study of bronze objects and the people who commissioned and made them. The numerous illustrations include recently-restored works of art, and unpublished historical photographs. Between 1350 and 1650, a vast number of bronze objects, both large and small, decorative and functional, were produced in Venice for domestic consumption and for the export market. Whether unique works of art specifically commissioned from renowned sculptors by wealthy patrons, or low statusartefacts mass-produced by founders for speculative sale in their shops, Venetian bronzes are distinguishable from those made at the same time in other centres by the great beauty and variety oftheir form, their rich ornamentation, and by their generally high quality.Based on a wealth of unpublished documents and newly available scientific data obtained during recent conservation projects, this book tells the story of bronze-its production, placement and purpose-in Venice through the objects themselves and the people who commissioned, made and owned them. It reveals the location and purpose of key independent foundries in the city centre, as well asthe state-owned foundries at the Arsenal. It sheds light on the identities ofthe founders, their daily livesand workshop organisation, and tracks the rise and fall of the most importantdynasties, their successful collaborations and fierce rivalries. The genesis and creation process of certain significant bronze masterpieces is discussed, together with a number of long-forgotten casting disasters andabortive commissions.The text and documentary appendix are enhanced by lavish illustrations, whichinclude newly commissioned photographs of recently-restored works of art, andunpublished historical photographs. INDICE: The Significance of Bronze State Control of the Bronze Industry The State Bronze Foundries The Independent Bronze Foundries The Employment of State Gun-Founders The Employment of Independent Founders Bells Large FunctionalBronzes Large Bronze Sculpture Small Bronze Sculpture and Artefacts Appendix:Corpus of Selected Documents

• ISBN: 978-0-19-726496-6
• Editorial: Oxford University
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 700
• Fecha Publicación: 15/12/2011
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés