Preface 7

Introduction 15

I Strange beginnings 37

II Art for eternity 55

III The great awakening 73

IV The realm of beauty 95

V World conquerors 113

VI A parting of ways 129

VII Looking eastwards 139

VIII Western art in the melting pot 153

IX The Church militant 167

X The Church triumphant 181

XI Courtiers and burghers 203

XII The conquest of reality 217

XIII Tradition and innovation I 241

XIV Tradition and innovation II 263

XV Harmony attained 281

XVI Light and colour 319

XVII The new learning spreads 335

XVIII A crisis of art 357

XIX Vision and visions 383

XX The mirror of nature 409

XXI Power and glory I 431

XXII Power and glory II 445

XXIII The age of reason 455

XXIV The break in tradition 473

XXV Permanent revolution 495

XXVI In search of new standards 529

XXVII Experimental art 551

XXVIII A story without end 593

A note on art books 631

Chronological charts 654

Maps 662

List of illustrations by location 668

Index and glossary 672

Acknowledgements 682