Customer Reviews

Seeing Through Paintings: Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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

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.