Synopses & Reviews
In a tiny enclave in the heart of Rome lies the administrative and spiritual capital of Roman Catholicism, and the world's smallest independent state. Within its walls, during the course of the past fifteen hundred years, successive popes have commissioned and assembled an extraordinary collection of artistic works.Now Professor Enrico Bruschini, the eminent Vatican City expert and former fine art curator of the American embassy, takes readers inside the magnificent galleries and museums of the Vatican with a personal tour through its sacred halls. Drawing on his vast knowledge, Bruschini vividly brings to life works by Raphael, da Vinci, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and many other artisans while sharing interesting curiosities about the artists, their art, and the historical context in which they worked. These intimate descriptions allow Bruschini to illuminate both the artistic importance of the featured works and their cultural significance as he explains the profound impact they have made on Western civilization for nearly two millennia. In addition, Bruschini's unprecedented access to areas rarely open to the public allows him to offer a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of the Vatican revealing its most intimate secrets and treasures.With rare photographs from the Vatican archives and helpfuI maps to aid future pilgrims in planning the perfect itinerary, In the Footsteps of Popes is an enticing book for Italian enthusiasts as well as armchair travelers to savor -- Bruschini offers an absolutely extraordinary Vatican tour that is not to be missed
Synopsis
Whether you're planning a trip or are more of an armchair traveler, In the Footsteps of Popes is an expert guide to Vatican City, home of the world's greatest art and architecture. Author, art historian and Vatican expert Enrico Bruschini guides you to the most beautiful and historically important works in this holy city.
This richly illustrated book will give readers the opportunity to see and learn about this astonishing collection of art, which includes works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The Vatican's collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art is also highlighted, along with many of the other treasures housed in the city. Bruschini also provides maps and itinerary suggestions for those who plan to visit the Vatican in person. In the Footsteps of Popes is an invaluable resource that Christians, travelers, and art lovers will turn to again and again.
Named Official Art Historian of the American Embassy in Rome in 1984 and Official Guide of Rome in 1989, Enrico Bruschini is an Italian historian, art expert, professor, author, and passionate storyteller. Until his retirement in 1998, he served as the embassy's fine art curator. Bruschini is the author of Vatican Masterpieces (2004), the official guidebook of the Vatican, and the first to note the author's name on the front. He has also written numerous publications on Roman art and lectured in Italy and abroad.
"A great book takes you on a journey but with In the Footsteps of the Popes, Professor Enrico Bruschini brings the stories, secrets, and masterpieces of the Vatican into your living room."
- Travel & Leisure
Synopsis
Professor Enrico Bruschini, the eminent Vatican City Guide and former Fine Art Curator of the American Embassy, takes readers inside the magnificent galleries and museums of the Vatican with a special individualized tour through these sacred halls. 40 b&w photos. 16-page color insert.
Synopsis
A unique look at the treasures of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of Saint Peter from an official guide of the Eternal City.
In a tiny enclave in the heart of Rome lies the world's smallest independent state—the Vatican. Over the course of fifteen hundred years, successive popes have commissioned and assembled an extraordinary collection of artistic works within Vatican walls.
Eminent expert Professor Enrico Bruschini takes readers on a fascinating personal tour through the Vatican's magnificent sacred halls, vividly bringing to life works by Raphael, da Vinci, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and many others, while sharing interesting curiosities about the artists, their art, and the historical context in which they worked. Bruschini's unprecedented access to areas rarely open to the public enables him to offer a unique behind-the-scenes tour that reveals the Vatican's most intimate secrets and hidden treasures. With maps and rare photographs from the Vatican archives, In the Footsteps of Popes is an extraordinary excursion that is not to be missed.
About the Author
Named art historian of the American embassy in Rome and official Guide of Rome, Enrico Bruschini is an Italian historian, art expert, professor, author, and passionate storyteller. Until his retirement from the embassy in 1998, he served as its fine art curator. He is the author, most recently, of The Vatican: Masterpieces, the official guidebook of the Vatican. He lives in Rome.