Die Wirklichkeit der Bilder

Baxandall's perspective on Italian art of the 15th century marked the beginning of an entire research field exploring the relationship between artworks and the surrounding socio-historical reality. In the first chapter, the author reconstructs the structure of the painting trade at that time and the economic basis for the application of various painting techniques using contracts, letters, and invoices. Baxandall then explains how diverse areas of experience—such as preaching, dancing, and measuring barrels—are reflected in the creative process of great artworks. Finally, the author familiarizes us with the terms by which images were perceived and described at the time: grace, liveliness, color, and perspective. Terms that relate to the works of significant masters like Masaccio, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, and Fra.