Roberto Longhi: the tastemaker with a penetrating style
Martin Holman | The Florentine | 5th June 2025
Longhi, along with Berenson, is a foundational figure of modern art history. Before him, Italian art largely meant the Renaissance in 15th century Florence. Longhi thought it was more. He highlighted della Francesca, not a Florentine; broke centuries of silence about Caravaggio and 17th century Italian art; and promoted a young Morandi. On top of that, he was a stylish writer. Longhi’s wife, Anna Banti, besides contributing to his writing, revived interest in Artemisia Gentileschi.