Piero Di Cosimo: The poetry of painting in Renaissance Florence

Accompanying a major exhibition at the National Gallery of Art and the Galleria degli Uffizi, the book explores his unique contribution to Florentine art through 51 cataloged works, including paintings, drawings, and new attributions.

The book features essays by various scholars: Geronimus examines Piero’s life and mythological paintings, Coonin analyzes his portraits and late works, and other contributors address his technique, patronage, and cultural context. It highlights Piero’s innovative style, blending classical mythology with imaginative, fantastical elements, as seen in works like The Discovery of Honey and The Forest Fire, influenced by Lucretius and Ovid. His eccentric personality—marked by reclusive habits and a love for animals—shaped his art, which often deviated from the High Renaissance norms of Leonardo and Michelangelo.

The catalog showcases Piero’s mastery of oil and tempera, his use of preparatory drawings, and his role in the Medici and Strozzi circles. It challenges previous views of him as a minor figure, positioning him as a visionary whose poetic approach bridged early and High Renaissance styles. The book includes technical analyses, provenance details, and over 200 illustrations, making it a definitive resource on his legacy.