Book excerpt: A study of the life and work of the painter Simone Martini (c.1284-1344) whoas well-respected during his life-time but subsequently was considered lessmportant than Giotto and his followers.;The author now sets the work of theainter in context relating it to the developments of Gothic Art. Facts abouthe artist's life - in particular his dealings with his powerful patrons andis commissions in Naples and Avignon - offer the art historian a newerception of fourteenth century Italy.;The accompanying illustratedatalogue highlights the wide range of subjects and media that Simone usedetting him apart from his contemporaries.;Simone Martini's previousublications include "Gothic Art", "The Rise of the Artist" and "The Triumphsf Caesar by Andrea Mantegna".