Art in the Making: Italian Painting Before 1400 DVD

In Italy between 1270 and 1370 the whole tradition of European painting underwent a radical and enduring change.

This art DVD examines the materials used during this transformation and demonstrates how modern technology has dramatically increased our understanding of medieval panel painting.

Using the detailed instructions in Cennino Cennini's Libro dell Arte (which was published in about 1397), experts from the Gallery's Conservation and Framing Departments explain the many stages of creating an altarpiece, including making gesso, water gilding, burnishing, pigment grinding and painting with egg tempera.

These techniques are demonstrated in the art DVD, with links to paintings by such masters as Duccio, Nardo and Jacopo di Cione.

The bonus film on this art DVD, Renaissance Florence: The Art of the 1470s examines one extraordinary decade, when Florence became the artistic capital of Europe.

Lorenzo de' Medici and other patrons cultivated the arts to assert their political influence and, in workshops throughout the city, artists collaboratively or competitively - created outstanding works in a great variety of media.

Approx. 45 minutes • Region free • English subtitles