[T.p., dedic.] - Introduzione; [Text] - [Divisional t.p., 'Appendice'] - [Divisional t.p., 'Illustration Des Trois Figures Des Vertus Peintes par Giotto Dans L'Église De L'Annonciade À Padoue Par D'Hancarville'] - Errata Corrige - [Plates].
Responsibility Note
All plates are signed as drawn by P. Selvatico and engraved by A. Bernati, apart from no.2., which is unsigned.
The work is dedicated by the author to Alessandro Conte Pappafava Dei Carraresi.
References
The work of Selvatico is discussed in F. Bernabei, 'P. Selvatico cent'anni doppo', in A. Ven., 34 (1980), p.138-46; F. Bernabei, Pietro Selvatico nella critica e nella storia delle arti figurative nell'ottocento (1974).
A contemporary study of the Arena chapel was M. Callcott, Description Of The Chapel Of The Annunziata Dell'Arena; or, Giotto's Chapel, In Padua (1835).
Summary Note
The text marks the renewed appreciation of Giotto in the nineteenth century. The painter had been highly esteemed in his lifetime, but from the time of Vasari had been regarded as mainly of historical interest. Throughout his career Selvatico would remain hostile to the Classical Revival styles which had prevailed in Italy and Europe since the Renaissance.
The plates show paintings executed by Giotto in the Cappella degli Scrovegni at Padua about 1305; which depict the lives of the Virgin and of Christ. The first plate is a plan of the chapel.
Provenance
Ordered to be purchased 31 March 1848 (RA Council Minutes, X, 206).
Binding Note
19th-century half calf, marbled-papered boards; green morocco spine-label lettered 'Freschi Di Giotto In Padova', spine lettered 'R.A.'
Bible, N.T., Gospels
Christian art and symbolism - Saints
Paintings, Italian - Frescoes - Narrative art - Church decoration and ornament - Churches - Chapels - Italy - Padua - Cappella degli Scrovegni nell'Arena - History - 14th century
Art history - Italy - 19th century
Pictorial works - Italy - 19th century