Filippo Lippi

"Filippo Lippi" by Paul G. Konody is a biography written in the early 20th century that explores the life and artistic contributions of the renowned Italian painter Filippo Lippi, who lived from 1406 to 1469. The book delves into the complexities of Lippi's character, his relationships, and the socio-cultural backdrop of the Renaissance period, shedding light on the evolution of his style and the influences that shaped his work. In this comprehensive examination, Konody presents Lippi not just as a prolific artist but as a figure intertwined with the world around him, marked by personal struggles and romantic escapades, particularly his well-documented relationship with Lucrezia Buti. The narrative outlines key events of Lippi's life, including his rise from humble beginnings, his influential patrons like the Medici family, and his artistic development from the early Gothic style to a more expressive Renaissance technique. The book also features critical analysis of Lippi's notable works, emphasizing his role as a pioneer who bridged the transition from medieval to Renaissance art, a journey that reflects the vibrant spirit of his time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Paul George Konody was a Hungarian-born, London-based art critic and historian, who wrote for several London newspapers, as well as writing numerous books and articles on noted artists and collections, with a focus on the Renaissance. A recognized expert on the art of the Renaissance, he was lauded for his evaluation of claims of authenticity for works from that period, correctly debunking Wilhelm von Bode's assertion that a bust of Flora was sculpted by Leonardo da Vinci. During World War I, Konody became interested in the representation of war in the arts, and directed an effort to commemorate Canadian participation in that war.