Seeing Through Paintings: Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies [Hardcover]

Andrea Kirsh (Author), Rustin S. Levenson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Materials and Meaning in the Fine Arts | Publication Date: April 10, 2000

This clear and accessible handbook introduces the nonspecialist to the physical examination of easel paintings and the historical and critical implications of such study. It takes the reader through the various layers of paintings, from support to varnish, and looks at information that might be attached to a painting's reverse, as well as the physical circumstances of its display. The authors demonstrate how this knowledge contributes to a wide range of historical and critical approaches, including iconography, regional and colonial studies, examination of artistic intent, interactions among artistic schools, and the history of collecting and exhibition. The book offers the only comprehensive discussion available on materials, techniques, and condition issues in Western easel paintings from medieval times to the present. It includes detailed case studies of twenty-five paintings by artists from Giotto and Leonardo to Vermeer, Degas, and Pollock. The extensive illustrations are drawn from more than forty-five international museums; the artists represented range from a Byzantine master and a Mexican colonial painter to living artists, including Helen Frankenthaler, Jacob Lawrence, and Robert Ryman. The book will fascinate and benefit beginning or advanced students of art history and their teachers, as well as painters, collectors, museum docents, and conservators. Those who have known paintings primarily from books, slides, and photographic reproductions will be exposed to a new dimension of their study.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This marvelous book is a much-needed introductory handbook." -- Choice

About the Author

Andrea Kirsh is an independent scholar and a curator. Rustin S. Levenson is conservation director of Rustin Levenson Art Conservation Associates, New York City, and Florida Conservation Associates, Miami.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (April 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300080468
• ISBN-13: 978-0300080469
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,913,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book for art historians and collectors to learn about materials, November 20, 2007

By 

Joyce H. Stoner - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Seeing Through Paintings: Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies (Paperback)

I recommend this book often to art historians and collectors so that they can understand how the materials of a painting, e.g. canvas vs. wood, oil vs. tempera, etc. affect the look of the painting, how paintings change with age (become more transparent, fade, how varnish darkens), and how conservators also may change the look of paintings by conservation treatments. The chapters provide a useful history of materials of Western art, describing the support, grounds, paint films, and coatings. The book tells in clear language what you learn from x-radiographs and examination with ultra-violet light, how to tell that separated panels come from the same altarpiece, or how to recognize if a painting has been cut down or repainted. It was written by an art historian and a conservator working together and should appeal to both groups. Excellent illustrations and information about many well-known artists.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great intro for art historians and artists..., October 15, 2007

By 

via negativa (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seeing Through Paintings: Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies (Paperback)

This book provides case studies and clearly presented themes to unveil paintings from "the inside out". Well illustrated and organized, concise.

1 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Job, September 12, 2005

By 

Anthony S. Galloway "PlasterGiotto" (Baltimore) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Seeing Through Paintings: Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies (Paperback)

Yeah, I ordered two books at the same time, one from amazon and one from this seller. This seller provided the best service. While Amazon's order was delayed and frought with difficulty the transaction with this seller was quick and efficient.