"Publisdhed in conjuntion with the exhibition: Magnificenza! the Medici, Michelangelo, & the Art of Late Renaissance Florence (In Italy, L'Ombra del genio: Michelangelo e l'arte a Firenze, 1538-1631) ..."--Title page verso.

"In the royal and princely courts of Europe, artworks made of multicolored semiprecious stones were passionately coveted objects. Known as pietre dure, or hardstones, this type of artistic expression includes?paintings in stone,? which were composed of intricately cut separate pieces that were made into magnificent tabetops, cabinets, and wall decorations. Other works included vessels and ornaments carved with virtuosic skill from a single piece of rare and brilliant lapis lazuli, chalcedony, jasper, or similarly prized substance; exquisite objects such as boxes, clocks, and jewelry; and portraits of nobles sculpted in variously colored stones. Derived from ancient Roman decorative stonework, the art of pietre dure was developed in Renaissance Florence, where the manufacture of such objects was enthusiastically sponsored by Medici princes. Ideally suited for ostentatious display, the works sent an unmistakable message of wealth and political might that was understood in centers of power everywhere. From Italy the medium spread across Europeto Prague, Madrid, Naples, Paris, and later Saint Petersburg. Precious and fragile, pietre dure objects are rarely brought together in large numbers. This richly illustrated catalogue contains more than 150 masterworks from across Europe, dating from five centuries, including almost every artistic use of semiprecious stone during this time as well as some of the finest examples of the medium. Eight essays by European and American experts discuss the individualized development of pietre dure in every European region, the latest developments in scholarship, the interrelationships between art and dynastic politics and between cultures, and a variety of techniques used to produce these luxurious masterworks."--Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

The Rough Guide to Italy will help you explore every corner of the country that has more UNESCO listed sites than anywhere else in the world, ranging from intriguing sights such as the cave city of Matera and the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto in the deep south, to the iconic must-sees of Rome, Florence and Venice. This is the ultimate travelling companion to this fascinating country, with clear maps and honest, informed coverage of everything from boutique b&bs to hotels in historic palazzi, from authentic trattorias to unmissable gelaterias. Rough Guide authors dig deep behind the scenes of ancient and contemporary Italy, bringing its sights to life, and equipping you with everything you need to plan your holiday, whether you're into watersports or wine, football or food, Romans or Renaissance, beaches or Baroque. Stunning colour photographs highlight the very best the country has to offer, while detailed practical advice will help you get around Italy with the ease of an Italian, whether you choose to drive, or to travel by bus, boat or train.

Art on the brain? Shopping on your to-do list? Hungering for some great food? Plan your visits to the world's great cities with Art/Shop/Eat.

Detailed itineraries show you how to see the highlights, whether your vacation lasts one week or two, you're traveling with children, or you're a history buff looking for a fix of archaeological Italy. Bargain alerts tip you off to time-saving insider details–like which sight passes grant you free access to others–so more of your money stays where you want it. Not all Italian pizzas, pastas, and wines are created equally; Italy for Dummies steers you in all the right culinary directions.

A catalogue of 373 masterpieces from the Linsky's collection of European paintings, medieval and Renaissance objets d'art, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, carpets, clocks, gilt bronzes, and porcelains. -- Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

Lists and describes points of interest, hotels and restaurants, museums, shopping, sports, recreation, and entertainment in Florence and the towns of Tuscany and Umbria

Provides information on accommodations, restaurants, shopping, sights, and transporation in Italy.

Full-color guide • Make your trip to Italy unforgettable with 46 maps, illustrated features, and over 100 color photos. Customize your trip with simple planning tools • Ideas for making the most of your time • Practical advice for getting around • Easy-to-read color maps Explore Rome, Florence, Venice, and beyond • Discerning Fodor’s Choice picks for hotels, restaurants, sights, and more • “Word of Mouth” tips from fellow Fodor’s travelers • Illustrated features on the Sistine Chapel, Tuscan wine country, and the Cinque Terre • Best art treasures, medieval hill towns, and local foodie finds • Tips for beating the euro Opinions from destination experts • Fodor’s Italy-based writers reveal their favorite local haunts • Frequently updated to provide the latest information "Here are 500 pages of lively and accurate information, imbued with a sense of fun from the outset.... The writers are savvy guides. I was a little surprised to see a hotel and several restaurants that I considered my finds described and even awarded 'Fodor’s Choice' spots." –Frances Mayes, author ofUnder the Tuscan Sun

The new, full-colour Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria is the ultimate travel guide to some of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Covering the region more comprehensively than any other guide, it's packed with up-to-date and expert information on all the attractions, from the great museums of Florence and Siena to the tiny rural hill-towns, as well as guiding you to the best of the beaches, forests, mountains and vineyard-clad hills. It also it gives you the lowdown on the best hotels and restaurants for all budgets, and illuminates the sights with background information on history, folklore, art, architecture and festivals. Dozens of photographs and easy-to-use colour maps complete a guide that has long been established as the best you can buy.