Lisa Pon Knihy

In early sixteenth-century Italy, works of art came to be understood as unique objects made by individuals of genius, giving rise to a new sense of the artist as the author of his images. At the same time, the practice of engraving, a medium that produced multiple printed images via collaborative processes, rapidly developed. In this book, Lisa Pon examines how images passed between artists and considers how printing techniques affected the authorship of images. Pon focuses on the encounters between the engraver Marcantonio Raimondi and three key artists: Albrecht Dürer, Raphael, and Giorgio Vasari. She reevaluates their work in light of the tensions between possessive authorship and practical collaboration in the visual arts.

The cultural biography of Forlì's miraculous woodcut, the Madonna of the Fire, is meticulously explored, highlighting its significance within the city's history and identity. Lisa Pon delves into the artwork's origins, its impact on local culture, and the various interpretations it has inspired over time. Through this examination, the book reveals the intricate relationship between art, spirituality, and community in Forlì, showcasing how the woodcut has shaped and reflected the city's narrative.