From majestic works in the Greco-Byzantine tradition to Giotto's forward-looking masterpieces, this classic text by 19th century critics Joseph Archer Crowe and Giovanni Battista Cavalcaselle surveys the astonishing progress of Italian painting in the medieval and Renaissance eras. Trying new mediums and techniques, these revolutionary artists no longer painted frescos on walls, but created the first mobile paintings on wooden panels. As the color illustrations demonstrate, the Italians raised religious art and portraiture to new heights, inspiring artists throughout Europe.