Anatomy for Artists (Dover Art Instruction & Reference Books) (Paperback)

by Reginald Marsh (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The 209 drawings in this volume show the human body in a wide variety of positions, viewed from many different angles. Marsh directs special attention to those angles, aspects, and physical positions which are the most difficult to portray. Unabridged republication of the original (1945) edition, with 13 additional pages of drawings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 209 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (November 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486226131
• ISBN-13: 978-0486226132
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,227,628 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars R.Marsh Anatomy for Artists, May 19, 2000

By	Charles Staats (USA) - See all my reviews

This book contains sloppy drawings of other people's work. I have found it the poorest source for information about drawing. Since I have reproductions of many major artists, Marsh's copys are a real disappointment. Also I have had students discouraged by this book. It may have been valuable in the 40s when other sources were unavailable, but now there is little value here.

5.0 out of 5 stars Master of the figure, June 19, 2008

By	Harry (DE.) - See all my reviews

Anyone who thinks the R. Marsh is "sloppy" does not know or understand the artist. If you ever stood in front a Marsh 24x30 ink life drawing sheet you might change your mind. His drawings are done from life, in ink, as a direct interpretation and have never been surpassed by any other modern day artist. Anyone who works with the figure in their art work would give anything to understand the model half as good as Marsh did. His anatomy book was done from standing in front of master drawings, in front of sculptures, gallery paintings and memory. They were not done at one time for this book, but over a lifetime of study and then assembled. They are not tracings, or accurate medical anatomy references nor are they meant to be. They were used to help him with the figures in his paintings. Copying art work has been a traditional way to learn from a Master that is not around anymore to teach. To make an exact copy of any art is to miss the point of the lesson. It should be interpreted by you and your hand, hence the word "study". Anyone who thinks this is book is not up to par needs to go back and look at the hundreds of ringed sketchbooks, tempera paintings, and frescos of a man who made a living drawing and painting his whole life. You might even want to pick up one (1) of his life drawing sheets for about $25,000 if you are lucky enough to find one for sale.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic resource for artists, May 17, 2007

By	MSN "MSN" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This book reflects the discerning eye and historical knowledge of this very remarkable artist. It is a resource for anyone who is interested in drawing the body. Reginald Marsh died more than 50 years ago. But his remarkable NY Custom House frescoes, complicated paintings and fine drawings live on to influence the rest of us. I have the original book and have given the Dover copy to many people.