Ravenna: An Art Guide (1973)

Ravenna: An Art Guide by Antonio Paolucci was published by Edizioni Salera in Ravenna in 1973. It is 40 years old, but still quite helpful and informative. With 96 pages this book presents the major sites and museums in Ravenna with text and illustrations.

The first part of the book contains the text, which runs from page 5 to page 32, a total of 28 pages. This part is illustrated with a few pictures in black-and-white. The second part of the book contains the colour plates, which run from page 33 to page 96, a total of 64 pages.

Here is a list of the sites and museums presented by Antonio Paolucci:

* The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

* Basilica di San Vitale

* Basilica di San Giovanni Evangelista

* The Neonian Baptistery

* The Arian Baptistery

* Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

* Basilica di San Francesco

* Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe

* The Palace and Mausoleum of Theodoricus

* The National Museum of Ravenna

* The Museum of the Archbishop

* The Academy Gallery

In addition, there are colour illustrations of the following locations in Ravenna:

* Basilica di Santa Maria in Porto

* Dante’s Tomb

* Piazza del Popolo

As far as I can see, the text is reliable, but there is one small mistake on page 13, where the caption to a picture says: “San Vitale. Left wall of apse...” The mosaic in this picture (which shows the Empress Theodora) is in fact on the right wall of the apse.

Obviously, this small mistake is not important.

Since this book is old, it is out of print, but sometimes it is still possible to buy a used copy. I like this book. The text is short and clear, while the illustrations are excellent.

If you wish to know about Ravenna – in particular the beautiful and well-preserved mosaics – this book is recommended. If you are planning a trip to Ravenna, this book can help you prepare your visit.

PS. # 1. If you come to Ravenna today, you will find that many other books about the city and its monuments are available (in several languages), for instance Giuseppe Bovini, Ravenna: Art and History. Bovini’s book is from 1991, but an updated version was published in 2008.

PS. # 2. If you are looking for more information about Ravenna, I can suggest Ravenna in Late Antiquity by Deborah Mauskopf Deliyannis (hardcover 2010, paperback 2014) and Eternal Ravenna by Massimilano David (2013).

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Antonio Paolucci,

Ravenna: An Art Guide,

Edizioni Salera, Ravenna, 1973, 96 pages

 

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