Customer Reviews

Looking at pictures

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In this book Clark explains how he appreciates a painting. Four phases: impact, scrutiny, recollection and renewal. Many worthwile remarks on art and how to verbalize visual thoughts. Also he knows what he's talking about and I'll take it on faith that he has better taste than me. Some artists I liked in this book: Vermeer, Goya, Seurat, Joseph Mallord William Turner (for water), Rembrandt (self-portrait). Clark's just a great writer. He writes with verve and clarity. Some quotes: "Art is not a lollipop, or even a glass of kuemmel. The meaning of a great work of art, or the little of it that we can understand, must be related to our own life in such a way as to increase our energy of spirit. Looking at pictures requires active participation, and, in the early stages, a certain amount of discipline." (p. 15) "But these great works are deep. The more I try to penetrate them the more conscious I become that their central essences are hidden far further down. I have only scratched the surface with the worn-out instrument of words. For, quite apart from shortcomings of perception, there is the difficulty of turning visual experiences into words." (p. 17) "Alberti does not say 'as if they were real' but 'as if they were sculpture', implying thereby a purposeful simplification of each form intended to make it more vividly experienced by the spectator." (p. 43) The classical artist: "He concentrates on man, not man as a continuation of Nature, but man as the unique and isolated creation of God." (p. 47)

I've always thought LOOKING AT PICTURES was one of the best books written about how to enjoy and understand great works of art. Kenneth Clark writes so easily, the writing just flows and everything is made so CLEAR to and for the average Joe who doesn't know much about art but knows that he likes it. If you are confused by paintings and great art in general; what it's trying to "say" or about what it's supposed to "mean", -or just feel awkward when trying to discuss your reactions to works of art- then this book will help you understand, and appreciate, so much more.