Studies in the History of the Renaissance
“Leighton Pugh[‘s]…voice is a fine instrument, deep, strong, occasionally gravelly, but agile and expressive, and his diction is clear and precise, rendering Pater’s tone and sense astutely. He impresses with the accurate, or at least smooth and convincing, pronunciation of ancient Greek, Latin, Italian, German, and even Old French. Some listeners may find the complexity and mostly unvaried emotional level challenging, but Pugh delivers a faithful version of Pater’s erudite work.”
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Published in 1873, Studies in the History of the Renaissance is considered one of the most influential works in the field of aestheticism.
The book is a collection of essays that explore various artists of the Renaissance period, focusing primarily on the art, culture, and philosophy of the time.
In the Studies, Pater celebrates the pursuit of beauty and the sensual pleasures it brings, advocating the appreciation of art as a means of self-discovery and personal growth. His prose is often characterized by vivid descriptions, lush imagery, and a rich use of language. He explores the artistic achievements and cultural milieu of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and others.
Pater’s ideas, especially his celebration of sensual experience and the pursuit of beauty, influenced many artists and writers of the time, including Oscar Wilde and the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood.
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