The Florentine Bertoldo di Giovanni is a pivotal figure in the history of the early Renaissance. As a member of the Medici household, he was the disciple of Donatello and the mentor of Michelangelo. To Lorenzo de'Medici, he was part servant, part companion, as well as artist and advisor. Bertoldo was a pioneer in the creation of bronze statuettes, producing seven of the most appealing, lyrical works in the genre. In addition, he crafted reliefs that range from small medals to a monumental palace frieze, all of which present an indelibly Tuscan brand of rustic classicism. Beginning with a survey of Bertoldo's career, this book sheds light on Medici patronage and on the efforts of Renaissance artists to formulate the period's humanist values in visual terms. The book also examines the nature of the informally organizsed "academy" of young artists, including Michelangelo, who are believed to have gathered under Bertoldo's tutelage.
- ISBN10 0826208193
- ISBN13 9780826208194
- Publish Date 1 June 1992
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 19 October 2003
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of Missouri Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 376
- Language English