The Power of Images

Siena, 1338

Nonfiction, History, Medieval
Cover of the book The Power of Images by Patrick Boucheron, Wiley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Patrick Boucheron ISBN: 9781509512935
Publisher: Wiley Publication: May 4, 2018
Imprint: Polity Language: English
Author: Patrick Boucheron
ISBN: 9781509512935
Publisher: Wiley
Publication: May 4, 2018
Imprint: Polity
Language: English

Where can the danger be lurking? Two soldiers are huddled together, one gazing up at the sky, the other darting a sideward glance. They derive a tacit reassurance from their weapons, but they are both in their different ways alone and scared. They were painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, and they seem symptomatic of a state of emergency: the year was 1338, and the spectre of the signoria, of rule by one man, was abroad in the city, undermining the very idea of the common good.

In this book, distinguished historian Patrick Boucheron uncovers the rich social and political dimensions of the iconic ‘Fresco of Good Government’. He guides the reader through Lorenzetti’s divided city, where peaceful prosperity and leisure sit alongside the ever-present threats of violence, war and despotism. Lorenzetti’s painting reminds us crucially that good government is not founded on the wisdom of principled or virtuous rulers. Rather, good government lies in the visible and tangible effects it has on the lives of its citizens. By subjecting it to scrutiny, we may, at least for a while, be able to hold at bay the dark seductions of tyranny.

From fourteenth-century Siena to the present, The Power of Images shows the latent dangers to democracy when our perceptions of the common good are distorted and undermined. It will appeal to students and scholars in art history, politics and the humanities, as well as to anyone interested in the nature of power.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Where can the danger be lurking? Two soldiers are huddled together, one gazing up at the sky, the other darting a sideward glance. They derive a tacit reassurance from their weapons, but they are both in their different ways alone and scared. They were painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, and they seem symptomatic of a state of emergency: the year was 1338, and the spectre of the signoria, of rule by one man, was abroad in the city, undermining the very idea of the common good.

In this book, distinguished historian Patrick Boucheron uncovers the rich social and political dimensions of the iconic ‘Fresco of Good Government’. He guides the reader through Lorenzetti’s divided city, where peaceful prosperity and leisure sit alongside the ever-present threats of violence, war and despotism. Lorenzetti’s painting reminds us crucially that good government is not founded on the wisdom of principled or virtuous rulers. Rather, good government lies in the visible and tangible effects it has on the lives of its citizens. By subjecting it to scrutiny, we may, at least for a while, be able to hold at bay the dark seductions of tyranny.

From fourteenth-century Siena to the present, The Power of Images shows the latent dangers to democracy when our perceptions of the common good are distorted and undermined. It will appeal to students and scholars in art history, politics and the humanities, as well as to anyone interested in the nature of power.

More books from Wiley

Cover of the book Mountain Rivers Revisited by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book The Ancient Greeks For Dummies by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book The Art of Memory Forensics by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Advanced Surface Engineering Materials by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Your Creative Brain by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Recovery from Eating Disorders by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Critical Risk Research by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Ordinary Greatness by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book The Ask by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Planning in Divided Cities by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Effective Implementation In Practice by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Vegetable Oils in Food Technology by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Fabrics and Pattern Cutting by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book Banking Systems Simulation by Patrick Boucheron
Cover of the book The Book of Happiness by Patrick Boucheron
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy