Visible Words
A Study of Inscriptions In and As Books and Works of Art

Sparrow traces the development of the inscription as a literary form in Renaissance and post-Renaissance Europe.

John Sparrow (Author)

9780521136655, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 February 2011

172 pages
27.9 x 21 x 0.9 cm, 0.4 kg

Mr Sparrow traces the development of the inscription as a literary form in Renaissance and post-Renaissance Europe. He defines the 'literary' inscription as 'a text composed with a view to its being presented in lines of different lengths, the lineation contributing to or enhancing the meaning, so that someone who does not see it, actually or in the mind's eye, but only hears it read aloud, misses something of the intended effect'. Mr Sparrow attributes the Renaissance concern with the visual presentation of words to the profound interest in epigraphy aroused by the rediscovery of classical inscriptions. This interest was felt mainly by scholars and writers, but it extended to architects, painters, sculptors and designers of monuments - all of whom incorporated inscriptions in their work.

Acknowledgements
List of illustrations
Preface
1. The evolution of the inscription
2. The inscription in Renaissance works of art
3. The inscription as a literary form
4. Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: Architecture [AM]