Paris,: Debécourt, Libraire-Éditeur, Rue Des Saints-Pères, 69. Hachette, Libraire, Rue Pierre-Sarrasin, 12., 1836.
Physical Description
[4], 548 p.; 208 mm. (Octavo.)
Contents
[Half-title, t.p.] - [Text] - Table.
Responsibility Note
The printer is named on the half-title verso: 'Imprimerie De E.-J. Bailly Et Ce, Place Sorbonne, 2.'
References
R.W. Lightbown, 'The inspiration of Christian art', in Influences in Victorian art and architecture, ed. S. Macready and F.H. Thompson (1985), p.3-40; M.C. Bowe, François Rio, sa place dans le renouveau catholique en Europe (1938).
Summary Note
Here Rio attempts a critical evaluation of religious painting in Italy from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century, arguing that it is not formal beauty but truth of religious sentiment that gives value to a work of art. The work led to a new appreciation of such painters as Orcagna, Fra Angelico and Carpaccio and depreciation of Florentine 'naturalist' painters of the 15th century and for a preference of the earlier to the later works of Raphael.
The De la poésie chrétienne, first published in 1836, was issued in an expanded edition as De L'Art Chrétien from 1861 to 1867. The work considerably influenced the thinking of the British critics, Lord Lindsay, Mrs. Jameson and John Ruskin.
Provenance
The half-title is inscribed in ink, 'Bequest of Sr. A.W.Callco'.
Binding Note
19th-century quarter green morocco, brown clth-covered boards; spine lettered 'A. F. Rio De La Poesie Chrétienne' and 'R.A.'
Subject
Painting - Italy - History - Renaissance
Christian art and symbolism - Religious art - Aesthetics
Art history - Art criticism - Theory - France - 19th century