The first and only book to discuss the entire history of painting by genre, rather than by chronology, this fresh approach gives readers a new and enlightened way to view and understand the language of art through the ages. What was the artist trying to convey? Who are those figures supposed to be? Why do images and symbols recur? This book clearly answers these and other questions that viewers often ponder as they tour museums. Every category of subject matter is studied: religious art, myth and allegories, the nude, history painting, still life, portraiture, landscape, genre, and abstraction. Each chapter has an introduction and illustrated overview of the information to be covered, followed by spreads that trace the development of the featured art. The reader is shown, for instance, how self-portraits were conceived at various times and how techniques evolved; which aspects of still life drew on recurrent traditions and which others altered over time. A prized possession to be acquired by art appreciators for their own personal use or as a thoughtful gift, this volume promises to broaden readers' understanding of all the art movements and major artists' work that form the body of Western art.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Alexander Sturgis, the general editor of this book, is on staff at the National Gallery in London, where he lectures on all aspects of the museum's collection. Hollis Clayton, consulting editor, is an associate professor of art history at Northwestern University; the author of articles, catalogs, and books; and a prolific lecturer across North America and Europe. He is based in Evanston, Illinois.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thorough grounding in art appreciation,
By Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (TOP 50 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: Understanding Paintings: Themes in Art Explored and Explained (Hardcover)
For all the terrific essays, books, guides, museum publications and primers for the beginning art lover, this generously illustrated, thoughtful book presents one of the most practical and informative manuals on how to look at and truly see paintings. The authors have divided this survey of painting not in the usual hisorical context, but instead they show us the various types of paintings and how to approach them and get the most out of the viewing experience. By selecting categories such as Religious painting, Myth and Allegory, The Nude, History painting, Portraiture, Landscape, Still Life, and even Abstract painting they present samples from across the entire history of Western art, pointing out the hows and whys artists chose and painted each subject. Religious painting, for example, uses examples from Giotto, Tiepolo, Michelangelo, Bosch and Rembrandt to Max Ernst, Dali, Gauguin, Stanley Spencer and Jackson Pollock. By concentraiting on the subject of the painting we are guided into an understanding of the evolution of that type of painting and the result is that we are encouraged to look at every school and every period of history in a refreshed light. The section on landscape shows that the beginnings of this genre can be found in the backgrounds of the medieval frescoes and progresses through various periods until the Landscape itself is the main subject. The many interpretations of myths, allegories, Self Portraits, components of still life paintings are all explored and documented in the most user-friendly way. This book is invaluable for teachers of Art Appreciation, for those people who want to know what to look for when they visit museums, and for artists who want a different slant on the history of composition. The color reproductions are plentiful and of excellent quality. This is a fine addition to the library of art lovers and afficiandos, students and hedonists! A worthwhile investment, and a fine reference book and tool.
13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
A complete disappointment.,
This review is from: Understanding Paintings: Themes in Art Explored and Explained (Hardcover)
After reading a dozen of books on "Art history" following the standard chronological order, I strongly desired to read this book showing a different perspective. However, my disappointment surpassed my expectances. The problem of this book is that it simply gives very little, too general information without developing any subject in more detail. Each chapter (devoted to a particular genre) is further divided by topic. For instance, the "religious painting" chapter speaks about "representation of the virgin Mary", "representation of Christ", etc. Up to this point, "a nice idea" you may think. But now, let me explain that each one of these topics is explained and depicted in (always) two pages. Approximately one page corresponds to writing and one page to images (this, statistically speaking for the book does not follow such a distribution). Imagine! What can be said about any topic -for instance, representation of "the Pasion"- in just one page of information?! And even worse, the book is supposed to be also chronological comprenhensive!!! If you are looking for a book that explains the evolution of each genre, then this is not the correct choice. There is no analysis at all. Just a kind of introduction to the subject (with poor intelectual intention) and some pictures (chosen with unknown criteria) to produce a colourful page. Honestly, I would like other reviewers give some examples to support the high rate given to this work. Regarding the chosen paintings, not only the criteria for the selection is unclear (if it exists at all for it does not seem to be consistent throughout the book) but -more important and objective- is that many of the illustrations are so small that one cannot appreciate important details.To say it in a sentence: the worse book I have ever read on art history. To whom might this book be beneficial? To the editors, I guess.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not Pleased,
By
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This review is from: Understanding Paintings: Themes in Art Explored and Explained (Hardcover)
I was very disappointed in this book. The photos are of very low quality and the typeface is so small it's a very uncomfortable read. That is only second to the fact the information provided is lacking in depth. Very superfluous. I have a Bachelor's in Fine Art and am a painter. I was hoping this book would add to my knowledge of art history and the themes visited by painters throughout the years. It didn't. Not recommended.
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