The Timeline Book of Mantegna

Andrea Mantegna, 1431-1506, one of the great artists of the early Renaissance in Italy. Born near to Padua he is most associated with that city and for many commissions for the Gonzaga of Mantua. Contemporary and relative of Giovanni Bellini, Mantegna is noted for his skilful experiments with perspective. He travelled widely in his youth and had a keen interest in archaelogy and inscriptions, perhaps explaining the great monumentality of many of his works. Mantegna's early work is best represented by a series of frescoes and altar pieces he undertook for various churches in the cities of Padua and Verona. Success led him to become court artist for the rulers of Mantua, the Gonzaga family.

His greatest works were commissioned for the Camera degli Sposi (wedding chamber) of the Gonzaga castle. They are great frescoes of the family painted onto the walls and perhaps most famously the ceiling, which shows putti looking over a balustrade with the illusion of the sky above. This work was finished in the 1470s and followed by such paintings as the exquisite St Sebastian now in the Louvre and a series of frescoes for the Pope in the Vatican (destroyed). The famous Triumphs of Caesar painted in the 1490s and now at Hampton Court were acquired by King Charles the First of England in 1628. Mantegna is also noted for his print work and engraving. He was held in high regard by Vasari.

Every book in the Timeline series offers a concise, striking visual chronology of its subject, whether this is the evolution of a single painter's style or the changing face of an entire movement in art, fashion or design. Despite first appearances, these are not like other books - each title pulls out to become an innovative two-sided guide. On the front, the Timeline shows you sixteen key images in chronological order - for example, excerpts from the crucial works of a particular artist, or details from evolving stages of an era in design. At a glance, you see a clear visual path through the development of the subject. On the back you will find all the detail - entire reproductions of the pieces discussed, succinct explorations of their context, meaning and history written by experts, biographies of the artists, and more. The Timeline series offers a fresh, simple visual reference that is ideal for art-lovers, casual visitors to museums and art galleries, and students - anyone who wants to see clearly how artistic styles evolve and change over time.