Here illustrations reveal the strict geometry at the bones of a Bronzino portrait and the mixed messages of a Medici tomb by Michelangelo. Punctuated by such well-chosen visuals, this collection is suitable for introductory courses but also accessible to an informed general readership, with Cole (Southern European Renaissance and Baroque art, U. of Pennsylvania) choosing a range of approaches. Topics include the pagan mysteries of Raphael's tomb and St. Peter's as ruins, virtue reconciled with pleasure and a new look at Bronzin's London Allegory, the tension of science and the poetic impulse, mannerism, the counter-reformation, and the roles of still lifes and landscapes. Figures and bodies are described in the works of Pontormo, Cellini, Michelangelo, essays on the artist examine professionalism, reproductive work and the rise of technique, those on reformations describe a range of devout design, and articles on theory and practice describe Leonardo, Savoldo, symmetry and architectural orders. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)