150 Masterpieces of Drawing (Paperback)

by Anthony Toney (Compiler)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Full-page reproductions of drawings from the early 15th century to the end of the 18th century, all beautifully reproduced: Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Dürer, Fragonard, Urs Graf, Wouwerman, many others. First-rate browsing book, model book for artists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 1st edition (June 1, 1963)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486210324
• ISBN-13: 978-0486210322
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #655,023 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nope, not this book, March 12, 2003

By A Customer

If you've got even a couple art/drawing books in your collection, you probably already have the best examples contained here (and they're probably reproduced better in your art books). I take drawing seriously so I'm always on the hunt for meaty art books and this one didn't deliver. While I often disagreed with what the author considers a "masterpiece" (apparently anything old--but I'll let that be a subjective thing) probably the biggest problem is the poor reproduction quality. It's refreshing to find an art book that doesn't cost a fortune, but when the texture and gesture of line can't be seen in the drawing--well, is it any wonder so many of them just lie there looking dead? Some of the drawings here are reproduced so badly they are almost completely black, others so light they are just barely tones on the page.

Serious drawing books can be pricey but they can often be found at a good price if you buy an older edition--here are some really worth having: A Guide to Drawing (Daniel Mendelowitz), Art of Responsive Drawing (Nathan Goldstein), Art of Drawing (Bernard Chaet).

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Don't miss this., June 1, 2000

By A Customer

With very few words, and many excellent pictures, reveals the secrets of art and drawing. I can basically open a page and enjoy the classical art work while reading a section or a caption and learning something at the same time. Pictures alone are worth the price!

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointing, July 19, 2002

By	Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

The quality of the reproductions in this book are second-rate and very dull. This didn't surprise me, as the paper stock and printing is going to be of lesser quality in a budget-priced book. And since the price is not unreasonable, this is a good student reference book

But here's what really upset me. Certain masters of drawing like Delacroix and Burne-Jones are completely missing. Nor are the selected drawings of Raphael included here the best examples, in my opinion.

I had the pleasure of visiting a sculptor friend and nearly tripping in the entrance of her house as I caught the sight of a fantastic little pencil drawing out of the corner of my eye. "Yes," she smiled "we think it is a Burne-Jones, even though it isn't signed." She has since passed on and donated her work and art collection to her alma mater. While I think that was a wonderful thing to do, that drawing may well end up in an archive and never be seen by the public, ever. So these books are sometimes the only way one ever gets to see masterful drawings, and to leave out some of the best artists makes me pretty sad. Save your money unless you need another drawing reference book and this contains what you are looking for.