The Renaissance throughout Europe produced some of the West's most spectacular art, yet this most celebrated of periods is also one of the least understood, often regarded simply as a 'rebirth' of ancient Roman culture. While Renaissance paintings and sculptures deal with Classical and Christian themes, they are also replete with contemporaneous references that resonate with viewers today. Each chapter in this lavishly illustrated book includes interpretations of up to 40 works and is devoted to a particular subject, from war to courtly life, and from landscape to the influence of Byzantine and Islamic civilization. With its beautiful images, engaging text and gazetteer section detailing public art collections worldwide, Renaissance will appeal to the armchair reader, museum visitor, student of art and anyone interested in one of the greatest contributions to world culture.