Old Testament Figures in Art (A Guide to Imagery) [Paperback]

Chiara de Capoa (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Throughout the Middle Ages, sacred Christian art had two objectives: to express veneration for God and to provide illustrative lessons on the Christian faith to a largely illiterate population. Continuing in the spirit of the other books in this series, Old Testament Figures in Art compiles entries on key figures and events in the Old Testament, beginning with the Pentateuch, then drawing from the historical books, the books of wisdom and poetry, and, finally, the prophetic books. The vivid illustrations depict Old Testament scenes that occur most frequently as iconographic prototypes in Western art. Among the masterpieces featured are The Entry of the Animals into Noah's Ark by Jan Brueghel the Elder, The Sacrifice of Isaac by Rembrandt, Samson and Delilah by Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Wrestling with the Angel by Paul Gauguin, and Isaac Receiving Rebekah as His Wife by Marc Chagall. The accompanying texts illuminate the unique ways in which Old Testament subjects have been portrayed in Western art throughout the ages. To complement the many scriptural references, this handy volume also offers comparisons with other cultures whose stories or myths parallel those represented in the book.

About the Author

Chiara de Capoa is an art historian specializing in medieval art at the Libera Università di Lingua e Communicazione IULM in Milan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 edition (April 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892367458
• ISBN-13: 978-0892367450
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #335,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wide spectum of art featuring Old Testament figures, December 25, 2007

By	Ron Hekier (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Old Testament Figures in Art (A Guide to Imagery) (Paperback)

Organized into several chapters, the Creation through the Tower of Babel, Abraham, David and Solomon, and others. Each biblical topic is put into context with the Place, Time, Figures, Soursces, and Artistic variants provided. Then for each topic, several representative works of art are shown with explanatory captions. Nice representation of several schools of art, from gothic figures of the late Middle Ages to a heavy emphasis on Italian Renaissance, Northern Renaissance artists, 17th century Dutch masters and a small number of later artworks. Will mostly devoted to paintings, alternate art forms such as engravings, mosaics, sculptures and bronzes are examined.
Small format makes it a easily portable text.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for art study, December 20, 2007

By	J. Spencer (South Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Old Testament Figures in Art (A Guide to Imagery) (Paperback)

I have used this book in Bible studies. I like it because it is organized chronologically, making things easy to find. It also gives brief histories of the story and the artist's work and explains some of the symbolism. This book contains work from all time periods, so it would be good to use for comparison/contrast of styles.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Art, Worthwile Commentary, May 24, 2010

By	James Michael (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Old Testament Figures in Art (A Guide to Imagery) (Paperback)

I enjoy the entire GUIDE TO IMAGERY IN ART series from the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The Old Testament volume is as rich and illuminating as the Gospel Figures in Art, Symbols and Allegories in Art and Icons and Saints. Great for the art student, formal or informal. A rewarding way to spend a couple of hours cultivating art appreciation. Affordable and highly recommended.