Xanto: Pottery-painter, Poet, Man of the Renaissance Book

Francesco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo was an intriguing artist who painted some of the most beautiful and fascinating ceramics produced in Renaissance Italy. With surfaces entirely painted with scenes from classical literature, Roman history, or the Bible, his dishes were much sought after by the educated elite of his time, and continue to fascinate ceramics enthusiasts today. The colors of his works appear as fresh now as when the pieces were first made, providing a sense of immediacy that brings the culture of Xanto's Italy to life before our eyes. This book--the first ever dedicated to the artist--puts the work of Xanto and his contemporaries in its historical, political, and artistic context. Xanto's "cut and paste" method of incorporating figures derived from prints is explored, his artistic development is traced, and the spread of his influence assessed. Included is a transcription of Xanto's sonnet sequence with an English translation and a ful list of Xanto's works.