Artists of the Middle Ages - (Artists of an Era) by Leslie Ross (Hardcover)

About the Book

In the first volume of the Artists of an Era series, Leslie Ross examines the identities of artists attributed to the most famous and influential works of medieval art. These works are much discussed within the realm of art history, yet the identities of medieval artists fall victim to incomplete historical records and often remain enigmatic. In ten narrative chapters, Ross examines this significant area of the art world (including architecture, iconography, metalwork, scribework, sculpture--even medieval art instruction) and summarizes the lives and work of that genre's leading artist or artists.

Students will learn not only what is factually known of an artist's life (as well as what is purely speculative), but also the processes used to gather the information and fuel speculation. Readers will also gain unique insights into the practices and traditions of medieval art and the role it played within medieval society. A timeline, chapter bibliographies, a list of further resources on medieval art, and an index offer additional tools to students of medieval art and art history.

Book Synopsis

In the first volume of the Artists of an Era series, Leslie Ross examines the identities of artists attributed to the most famous and influential works of medieval art. These works are much discussed within the realm of art history, yet the identities of medieval artists fall victim to incomplete historical records and often remain enigmatic. In ten narrative chapters, Ross examines this significant area of the art world (including architecture, iconography, metalwork, scribework, sculpture--even medieval art instruction) and summarizes the lives and work of that genre's leading artist or artists.

Students will learn not only what is factually known of an artist's life (as well as what is purely speculative), but also the processes used to gather the information and fuel speculation. Readers will also gain unique insights into the practices and traditions of medieval art and the role it played within medieval society. A timeline, chapter bibliographies, a list of further resources on medieval art, and an index offer additional tools to students of medieval art and art history.

Review Quotes

?[L]eslie Ross's Artists of the Middle Ages succeeds at its intended goal; providing an introductory text on the nature of medieval art and the role of the medieval artist....[a]n excellent resource for teachers who wish to delve into more topically based discussions.?-Sixteenth Century Journal

?An extensive bibliography rounds out this excellent survey and reference, as enjoyable to satisfy curiosity as it is useful for research.?-Internet Bookwatch

?Ross argues that medieval artists were not merely anonymous humble craftsmen, but highly regarded professionals. This idea is not altogether new, but compared with earlier scholars, she more effectively avoids judging medieval artists by expectations developed by and for later Renaissance artists and writers. She also gives greater scope to artists of the 11th and 12th centuries than usual....Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.?-Choice

?Recommended for public and academic libraries.?-Reference & User Services Quarterly

?Recommended for public and academic libraries.??Reference & User Services Quarterly

"ÝL¨eslie Ross's Artists of the Middle Ages succeeds at its intended goal; providing an introductory text on the nature of medieval art and the role of the medieval artist....Ýa¨n excellent resource for teachers who wish to delve into more topically based discussions."-Sixteenth Century Journal

"[L]eslie Ross's Artists of the Middle Ages succeeds at its intended goal; providing an introductory text on the nature of medieval art and the role of the medieval artist....[a]n excellent resource for teachers who wish to delve into more topically based discussions."-Sixteenth Century Journal

"An extensive bibliography rounds out this excellent survey and reference, as enjoyable to satisfy curiosity as it is useful for research."-Internet Bookwatch

"Recommended for public and academic libraries."-Reference & User Services Quarterly

"Ross argues that medieval artists were not merely anonymous humble craftsmen, but highly regarded professionals. This idea is not altogether new, but compared with earlier scholars, she more effectively avoids judging medieval artists by expectations developed by and for later Renaissance artists and writers. She also gives greater scope to artists of the 11th and 12th centuries than usual....Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty."-Choice

About the Author

LESLIE ROSS is Professor and Chair of the Art History program at Dominican University of California. She is the author of Medieval Art: A Topical Dictionary (Greenwood Press, 1996) and Text Image, Message: Saints in Medieval Manuscript Illustrations (Greenwood Press, 1994).