Gothic and Renaissance Altarpieces, 2002, 424 p., 397 ill., 397 coul., rel. -

This astonishing volume is an outstanding achievement of art-publishing to be enjoyed for itself as well as an indispensable addition to scholarship.In the mid-15th century, when the traditional styles and techniques of the Middle Ages were yielding to the new influences of the Renaissance, the altarpieces of cathedrals and major churches reached a degree of elaboration never seen before. For a century or so altarpieces had been constructed so that they could be closed or open, often as triptychs, with two wings folding over the centre. This scheme was now expanded, and the three-part structure could grow to five and even seven. In the most extreme case, Grünewald's Isenheim Altarpiece, there was an unprecedented number of possibilities – a sort of theological hierarchy, with panels opening to reveal deeper and deeper mysteries. This book is unique in reproducing the wings as fold-outs, so that the original effect can be fully experienced. It covers thirty altarpieces in depth, including works from Italy (Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Signorelli), the North (Van Eyck, Grünewald, Bosch, Pacher) and Spain (Jacomart, Juan de Flandes).