A handsome introduction to one of the most important collections of Italian art in the United States

The preeminent collector Norton Simon amassed more than 100 Italian paintings during his 35-year career, and today they stand among the treasures of the Norton Simon Museum. In this catalogue-the first of two volumes devoted to the museum's Italian painting collection-noted art historian Sir Nicholas Penny pairs 47 paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries with in-depth commentary, skillfully interweaving tales from the artists' lives, observations on the artists' influences and patronage, and notes on provenance and frames. The works featured here include Guido Cagnacci's (1601-1663) impressive Conversion of the Mary Magdalene and Guercino's (1591-1666) formidable Aldovrandi Dog, among other works by such artists as Guido Reni (1610/12-1662), Luca Giordano (1634-1705), Giambattista Tiepolo (1696-1770), and Canaletto (1697-1768). This is an indispensable overview of one of the greatest collections of its kind in the United States.