A vintage 1962 Compass History of Art set featuring Greek and Renaissance painting—two concise guides rich in historical insight and illustration.

Details

• Size: each approx. 8 x 5 x 0.25 inches
• Format: Softcover / paperback
• Pages: 176 pages each (plus 10 pages of biographies in Renaissance Painting)
• Publisher: The Viking Press, New York (Compass Books series)
• Year: 1962
• Authors: Pierre Devambez (Greek Painting), Franco Russoli (Renaissance Painting)
• English translations from J. M. Meulenhoff Amsterdam originals
• Printed in Holland
• Library of Congress Catalog Card Numbers: 62-12142 (Greek Painting), 62-12141 (Renaissance Painting)
• Genre: Vintage Art History, Painting Reference
• Photographs by André Held
• Designed as part of the Compass History of Art series, offering accessible art scholarship
• Ideal for art historians, design inspiration, or classic shelf display

Condition Grade: Very Good

Notes: Light cover wear, mild yellowing of pages, tight bindings, and clean interiors. Greek Painting shows slight spine rub; Renaissance Painting has faint toning at edges.

See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

Collector’s Note

These 1962 Viking Press Compass History of Art editions reflect mid-century design and scholarly clarity.

Greek Painting by Pierre Devambez traces the rise from Minoan frescoes to classical art. Renaissance Painting by Franco Russoli explores the rebirth of realism and perspective in Florentine and Flemish schools.

Together, they showcase post-war European art scholarship translated for American readers—an appealing pair for collectors of vintage art history and Viking Press paperbacks.

A timeless duo for the art lover’s or designer’s bookshelf.

Provenance & Notes

Acquired from a private Midwestern art collector’s estate; stored carefully in a smoke-free library.

About the Author: Pierre Devambez and Franco Russoli 

Pierre Devambez (1902–1992) was a French archaeologist and curator at the Louvre, specializing in Greek art.
Franco Russoli (1923–1977) was Director of the Brera Gallery in Milan and a noted advocate for modern museum curation.

Ideal for collectors who value accessible yet scholarly art history texts.

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Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.

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Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
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