Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1332040
J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 | P E R S P E C T I V E 2 9 R E S O U R C E S THE LOUVRE: THE HISTORY, THE COLLECTIONS, THE ARCHITECTURE BY GENEVIÉVE BRESC-BAUTIER, GÉRARD RONDEAU (Photographer) The Louvre explores the eight centuries of fascinating history surrounding the museum, which began in the Middle Ages as a fortress, then became a royal residence which continued to enlarge, expand, and develop over the centuries with the most brilliant architects and painters being called to work on this architectural masterpiece. In 1793, the Louvre confi rmed its role as a "temple of the arts" when it was made the fi rst national museum open to the public. From then on, its collections continued to grow from its roots in the old royal collection, benefi ting from acquisitions, archaeological discoveries, donations and bequests. Centuries of growth, evolution, and transformation culminated in the 1980s with the "Grand Louvre" project symbolized by I.M. Pei's world-famous and critically acclaimed modernist pyramid. This book is a celebration of an enduring institution and the magnifi cent works of art that it houses. Rather than showing only isolated images of the artworks themselves, this book shows many of the pieces in the context of the beautiful galleries and spaces where they live, to give the reader an experience similar to being at the Louvre. RAPHAEL: 1520–1483 BY MARZIA FAIETTI & MATTEO LAFRANCONI Born Raff aello Sanzio da Urbino at the onset of the Italian Renaissance, painter and architect Raphael (183-1520) became one of the era's most admired artists. The son of a court painter, Raphael began his career early in his hometown of Urbino and quickly became known throughout Italy for his portraiture and religious paintings. On the 500th anniversary of Raphael's death, the Uffi zi in Florence has assembled one of the world's most ambitious exhibitions to honor the High Renaissance painter and his lasting legacy. This publication follows the trajectory of Raphael's life and career in reverse, beginning with his early death in 1520 before highlighting his formative years between Urbino, Città di Castello, Perugia and Siena. During his relatively brief lifetime, Raphael produced masterful works with an astonishing prolifi cacy. In his frescoes commissioned by Pope Julius II, Raphael demonstrates an unparalleled mastery of composition and perspective, embodying the Renaissance's spirit of idealized beauty. These frescoes, which include The School of Athens, are among the hundreds of pieces reproduced in this extensive monograph, which also features writing and research by Italy's leading curators and art historians.