Biographical Catalog of the Principal Italian Painters

• about 8 hours
• intermediate
• Informative
• Scholarly
• Historical

Maria Farquhar's "Biographical Catalog of the Principal Italian Painters" serves as an important 19th-century reference work, compiling concise biographical sketches of prominent Italian artists. Published in an era when art history was solidifying as a discipline, the book systematically lists painters, their birth and death dates, key works, and brief notes on their styles and patrons. It offers a structured overview of Italian art from its early masters through the Renaissance and beyond, reflecting the scholarly approach of its time. The catalog's primary value lies in its comprehensive scope and its contribution to the accessible documentation of art historical figures for a general educated readership.

“Due to the nature of this book as a biographical catalog, it does not contain 'key quotes' in the traditional literary sense. Its value lies in the factual compilation and descriptive entries for each artist. A typical entry might read: 'Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), born in Vinci, was a polymath of the High Renaissance. Renowned for his paintings such as the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper,' he also excelled as a scientist, engineer, inventor, and anatomist, embodying the Renaissance ideal of humanistic endeavor. His sfumato technique and psychological depth revolutionized portraiture and religious art.'”