Giorgione's Tempest: Interpreting the Hidden Subject - Hardcover

The Tempest by Giorgione is one of the most enigmatic paintings of the Renaissance. This remarkable work examines the hypotheses and arguments which have surrounded this painting over the centuries. From the sixteenth century to the present day, commentators have tried to fit the elements of The Tempest into a symbolic scheme. Some have seen it as the depiction of Giorgione's own family, or the 'family of man'; others have preferred a literary or mythological interpretation, such as a tale from Boccaccio or the birth of Apollo. All critics agree, however, that the painting eludes any immediate reading.

Settis uses this mystery to shed light on the relationship between artist, patron, work and critic. He demonstrates the inadequacy of official interpretations of The Tempest and develops a new and highly original approach. The result is a brilliant piece of detective work in the history and sociology of culture.

Text: English, Italian (translation)