L’uomo del Rinascimento
Leon Battista Alberti e le arti a Firenze tra ragione e bellezza

edited by C. Acidini e G. Morolli

exhibition catalogue: Florence, Palazzo Strozzi, 11 March-23 July 2006

The ambitious aim of both the catalogue and the exhibition (Florence, Palazzo Strozzi, 11 March-23 July 2006) is to introduce present modern readers and visitors to the work and writings of Leon Battista Alberti, one of the most complex and intriguing figures of the Italian Renaissance and one whose influence was felt in the most diverse fields for centuries after his death.

The study is divided into seven sections and proceeds, inevitably, across different disciplines, moving from painted masterpieces by Botticelli and Scheggia to Alberti’s buildings and architectural projects; the genesis and history of Alberti’s writings are also documented through manuscripts, first editions and printed books. The catalogue entries on the art works appearing in each section are preceded by essays illustrating the curators’ critical approach and explaining why specific pieces were chosen for the exhibition. Emphasis is also given to the issue of conservation: modern techniques are illustrated and restoration projects are detailed, a number of these promoted and begun alongside the exhibition.

The focus is on Florence and Tuscany, but numerous art works were specially lent by national (Milan, Rome, Naples) and international (London, New York, Paris, Vienna, Washington DC) museums and institutions. Appendices and technical essays on the innovative multimedia projects developed for the exhibition complete the catalogue.