bA handsome introduction to one of the most important collections of Italian art in the United Statesb p 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 iConversion of the Mary Magdalenei and Guercino's 1591-1666 formidable iAldovrandi Dogi, among other works by such artists as Guido Reni 161012-1662, Luca Giordano 1634-1705, Giambattista Tiepolo 1696-1770, and Canaletto 1697-1768. This is an indispensable overview of one of the greatest co