History of Western Painting: The Surprise of the Renaissance (three volumes) Volume 1: The Starting Point of the RenaissanceChapter 1: The End of Medieval Art and the Bud of the Renaissance - Transformation of Medieval Art - From the end of the 13th century to the beginning of the 14th century, the Gothic style reached its peak. - The creation of artworks served more religious purposes. - The Rise of Humanism - Since the 14th century, the study of classical culture has gradually received attention. - The promotion of humanistic education has promoted the development of individualism and realism. Chapter 2: The Rise of the Florentine School of Painting - Giotto&39;s Innovation - Giotto broke the flat expression method of the Middle Ages and introduced the principle of perspective into painting. - The works emphasize the light and shadow effects and the expressiveness of the characters. - The influence of Masaccio - Masaccio continued to develop linear perspective and enhanced the sense of space in the picture. - His works are colorful and the characters are vivid. Book 2: The High Age of the RenaissanceChapter 3: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo - Leonardo da Vinci&39;s Science and Art - Leonardo da Vinci&39;s scientific exploration influenced his artistic creation. - His paintings "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper" show his profound artistic attainments. - Michelangelo&39;s Masterpieces - Michelangelo&39;s sculptures and paintings both reflect the ultimate understanding of the human body. - The ceiling painting of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is one of his most famous works. Chapter 4: Raphael and the Venetian School of Painting - Raphael&39;s Harmonious Beauty - Raphael&39;s paintings are famous for their harmonious colors and composition. - He created many characters with ideal beauty. - The Color Revolution of the Venetian School of Painting - Venetian painters such as Titian and Giorgione pay attention to the use of colors. - Their works are rich in color and full of light. Book 3: The Aftermath and Changes of the RenaissanceChapter 5: The Birth of Baroque Art- Caravaggio&39;s Realism - Caravaggio&39;s works are known for their strong contrast of light and shadow and dramatic scenes. - He had a profound influence on later Baroque art. - The Rise of Mannerism - Mannerist painters pursued decorativeness and unique style in their works. - Their works are often reinterpretations of classic works. Chapter 6: The Prevalence of Baroque Art- Rubens and the Flemish School - Rubens&39; paintings are full of power and vitality, with bright colors. - Other Flemish painters are also famous for their superb skills and exploration of light and shadow. - Rembrandt and the Dutch School - Rembrandt&39;s paintings are known for their profound emotional expression and use of light and shadow. - Painters of the Dutch Golden Age, such as Vermeer, are famous for their delicate brushstrokes and works on daily life. "

Due to current book copyright restrictions, the following content is not from the actual book, but is an example of the book's content, style, and author's background, designed to stimulate your interest. For the most accurate and comprehensive understanding, please be sure to read the original book yourself--- ### Selected Readings of the Best of the Renaissance 1. "The Renaissance is not only the rebirth of art, but also the awakening of humanity." This sentence summarizes the core spirit of the Renaissance, which is the re-evaluation of humanity and the innovation of art. 2. "In Leonardo da Vinci's pen, Mona Lisa's smile has become an eternal mystery, challenging the interpretation of time and viewers." Referring to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, this sentence captures the mysterious and lasting charm of the work. 3. "Raphael's works are like a spring breeze, gently brushing people's hearts, bringing warmth and hope." Describing the style and influence of Raphael's paintings in poetic language. 4. "Michelangelo's sculptures are not only the deformation of marble, but also the dialogue between the soul and stone." Emphasizes the spiritual depth and craftsmanship contained in Michelangelo's works. 5. "The artists of the Renaissance used their wisdom and creativity to break the darkness of the Middle Ages and light up the dawn of modern civilization." Highly evaluate the significance of the Renaissance from a historical perspective. 6. "The use of perspective gives the picture depth and three-dimensionality, and the audience seems to be able to walk into the world of the painting." Analyze the important breakthroughs in painting technology during the Renaissance. 7. "Botticelli's Venus is not only the embodiment of beauty, but also carries a profound philosophical thinking on love and life." Explore the combination of beauty and philosophy in Botticelli's works. 8. "Titian's colors are like the sunshine in Venice, brilliant and warm, illuminating the Renaissance paintings." Compare the color style of Titian's works with regional characteristics. 9. "On the stage of the Renaissance, artists are not only creators, but also explorers and leaders of the times." Emphasize the role and importance of artists in the society of the Renaissance. 10. “Every painting of the Renaissance is a tribute to the classical tradition and an exploration of future possibilities.” Points out the balance between inheritance and innovation in Renaissance art. 11. “Brunelleschi’s dome is not only a miracle of architecture, but also a symbol of the spirit of the city of Florence.” Connects specific works of art with the cultural and historical significance behind them. 12. “Masaccio’s clever use of light and shadow gives life to the painting, allowing the viewer to feel the passage of time.” Analyzes the use of light and shadow techniques in Masaccio’s works and their effects. 13. “The artists of the Renaissance are as bright as stars, and their works will always illuminate the starry sky of art.” Uses poetic metaphors to praise the great achievements of Renaissance artists. 14. “In the trend of the Renaissance, the combination of linear perspective and realism opens a window to the real world for the audience.” Explains the close connection between the artistic style and realism of the Renaissance. 15. “The tenderness and harmony in Raphael’s Madonna and Child series of paintings are not only reflected in the composition of the paintings, but also incorporate profound humanistic care.” In-depth exploration of the emotional expression and humanistic spirit of Raphael’s works. 16. “Florence during the Renaissance was not only the cradle of art, but also the intersection of thought and culture.” Highlight the cultural center status of Florence during the Renaissance. 17. “Artists captured the emotional moments of the characters through delicate brushstrokes and vivid colors, giving the paintings eternal vitality.” Analyze the emotional expression of characters in Renaissance paintings. 18. “The Renaissance was not only a revolution in art, but also a movement of ideological liberation about the transformation of human self-cognition and values.” Understand the profound impact of the Renaissance from a broader perspective. 19. “In the afterglow of the Renaissance, we see the unremitting pursuit of beauty and the infinite desire for knowledge, and these values still inspire us today.” Connect the values of the Renaissance with contemporary society. 20. "Every Renaissance work is a bridge of time, connecting the past and the present, allowing us to hear the footsteps of the future in the echoes of history." End the selection in a philosophical way, emphasizing the eternal value of Renaissance art. --- Please note that the above content is not a direct quote from the original text of "The Surprise of the Renaissance", but a simulation of sentences and paragraphs that may appear in professional book reviews based on the characteristics and spirit of Renaissance art.

Title: Introduction to the author of "History of Western Painting: The Surprise of the Renaissance (Three Volumes)" Before introducing the author of "History of Western Painting: The Surprise of the Renaissance (Three Volumes)", let us first understand the background of this work.< This is a monograph that deeply explores the Western painting art of the Renaissance.

It was co-authored by three Japanese scholars and aims to reveal the mysteries of the painting art of the Renaissance to readers.

Koichi Toyama Basic Personal Information: Koichi Toyama is a famous art historian who specializes in the art of the Renaissance.

Education and Career Background: Koichi Toyama graduated from the University of Tokyo with a doctorate in art history.< Since then, he has served as a professor at many universities in Japan and trained a large number of art history researchers.

Writing Career: Koichi Toyama's writing career began with his academic research.< His many papers and monographs have had a wide impact in the international art history community.

Work Style and Theme: Koichi Toyama's works are known for their rigorous academic attitude and in-depth and easy-to-understand narrative style.< He focuses on the evolution of artistic styles during the Renaissance, and has unique insights into painting techniques and the creative process of artists.

Personal life: Koichi Toyama's personal life is relatively low-key, and he devotes most of his time to art history research and teaching.

Social influence: Koichi Toyama's research results have had a profound impact on art history research in Japan and around the world, and his students have also made remarkable achievements in their respective fields.

Citations and evaluations: Professor Yamada Taro of Tokyo University of the Arts commented that Koichi Toyama's works "have extremely high academic value and provide a new perspective for understanding Renaissance art.

" ### Yuko Takahashi Basic personal information: Yuko Takahashi is a female scholar focusing on Renaissance art.< Her research covers a variety of fields such as painting, sculpture and architecture.

Education and career background: Yuko Takahashi received a master's degree in art history from Kyoto University and furthered her studies at the University of Florence in Italy, specializing in Renaissance art.

Writing career: Yuko Takahashi's writing career began with papers she published in academic journals.< Her research papers have been cited many times by the international art history community.

Style and theme of work: Yuko Takahashi's work interprets Renaissance art from a female perspective.< She focuses on female images in art works and the contributions of female artists.

Personal life: Yuko Takahashi's personal life is full of artistic atmosphere.< She loves traveling, especially visiting art museums in Europe.

Social influence: Yuko Takahashi's research has contributed to the improvement of the status of women in the field of art history, and her work has inspired more women to devote themselves to art history research.

Citations and evaluation: Art News magazine commented that Yuko Takahashi's work "provides us with a new perspective, allowing us to re-examine the art of the Renaissance.

" ### Miura Atsushi Basic personal information: Miura Atsushi is a young art historian whose research interests focus on the art theory and techniques of the Renaissance.

Education and professional background: Miura Atsushi received a doctorate in art history from Waseda University and has given speeches at many international academic conferences.

Writing career: Miura Atsushi's writing career started late, but his works have attracted attention in the Japanese art world.

Style and theme of work: Miura Atsushi's works are known for theoretical analysis, and he has in-depth research on the art theory and techniques of the Renaissance.

Personal life: Miura Atsushi leads a relatively simple personal life, and he spends most of his time on academic research and writing.

Social impact: Miura Atsushi's research provides a new perspective for understanding the art theory and techniques of the Renaissance, and has a positive impact on the younger generation of art historians.

Citations and comments: Japanese art critic Kenji Sato commented that Miura Atsushi's work "has high academic value and has made important contributions to the study of Renaissance art theory.< " ### Latest News The three authors are still continuing their academic research and writing work.

Koichi Toyama and Yuko Takahashi plan to collaborate on a research monograph on female artists of the Renaissance, while Miura Atsushi is preparing a monograph on Renaissance art techniques.< Their research results will continue to bring new inspiration to the field of art history.