In the Footsteps of Popes

This book describes in a unique and personal manner the art treasures of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of Saint Peter. Professor Enrico Bruschini-an official guide of the Eternal City and formerly Fine Art Curator of the American Embassy in Rome - gives the fruit of his many years of experience in answering the questions of foreign art historians and curious tourists as they pass before the masterpieces of Rome.Professor Bruschini examines the paintings of the Pinacotheca, especially the pictures of Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. He pays particular attention to the Greek and Roman statues admired by Michelangelo and demonstrates the influence of these ancient works on his creation of the Sistine Ceiling. Two brief sections are dedicated to the most significant works of the Egyptian Museum and the Etruscan Museum. The frescoes of Raphael in his celebrated "Stanze Vaticane" are fully explained, and the powerful daily influence of the contemporary frescoes by Michelangelo are also celebrated.A large section of the book discusses the Sistine Chapel. After the recent cleaning, the masterpiece of Michelangelo has reappeared in all its splendid luminosity. The technique and narrative of the frescoes are explained in clear language. Professor Bruschini finishes with a description of the masterpieces and curiosities-many previously unpublished-of the Basilica of St. Peter and its Square. Black-and-white illustrations run throughout the text, and a 16-page color insert brings to life some of the most beautiful works. There are two maps by the author completing the work.