The Getty recently opened two related exhibits closely examining the development of landscape in medieval and Renaissance paintings. The first solo U. S. exhibit of works by Giovanni Bellini is paired with a collection of manuscript illuminations providing context for Bellini's work. Credited with being the father of the landscape in paintings, Bellini is renowned for his skill with color, light, and composition.
Martin Laidlaw writes for us again in this issue about why we need to be cautious in our attribution of the date of the Reformation. Sandra reviews Lyndal Roper's critically acclaimed biography, Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet.
This issue tackles some of these events and cultural developments which continue to effect our world today. When Renaissance artwork fetches a price of over $450 million dollars, and religious differences still fuel political tensions around the world, it's important to understand the significance of these individuals' actions from 500 years ago.
Sandra & Dani
Portrait of Martin Luther. C. 1570/1580. Lucas Cranach the Younger (Kunsthistorisches Museum)