Pre-Raphaelite Painting Techniques (Paperback)

~ Joyce Townsend (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this unusual book readers are given the opportunity to examine works of the Pre-Raphaelites as closely as a conservator would, and to uncover the artistic methods practiced by these painters. Combining modern scientific research-including X-ray and infrared technology, high-level magnification, and material analysis-with commentary from the letters and diaries of the artists themselves, this book explores the innovative techniques behind 20 of their extraordinary works in a way that no previously published study has attempted.

In addition to extensive full-color illustrations, many of them large-scale details, this fascinating volume features texts by leading conservators that provide a historical perspective on the works and techniques in question. AUTHOR BIO: Joyce H. Townsend is a senior conservation scientist at Tate. Jacqueline Ridge is head of paintings and conservation at Tate. Stephen Hackney is head of conservation science at Tate.

About the Author

Joyce H. Townsend is a senior conservation scientist at Tate. Jacqueline Ridge is head of paintings and conservation at Tate. Stephen Hackney is head of conservation science at Tate.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Tate (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854374982
• ISBN-13: 978-1854374981
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #548,075 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Waste of money, February 7, 2007

By	K.Petrovic' "Daevorn" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This book is a complete waste of money if you actually want to know how to do any of this type of work. It is a treatise on x-raying old paintings, to tell you that the artists used poisonous materials. It certainly is of no assistance if you want to emulate this form of work and needless to say there are hardly any of the well known pre-raphaelite paintings in it - certainly not the most famous proponents of the time. BLAH - a total disappointment in dragging it all the way to New Zealand at huge expense. If you're a conservator this yawn-inducing volume would probably be of interest, for the rest of us.....BLAH again!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super, August 5, 2008

By	Jeff de la Tours - See all my reviews

No, this is not a "How to paint like the Pre-Raphaelites" book. It is an indepth examination of some of their paintings. The reproductions are fantastic and there are lots of close up shots. As a painter I found it very interesting and if you look closely you can actually figure out some ways to put their techniques into your own work. I highly recommend it for anyone who is a painter or really really likes the PreRaphs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure gold!, October 13, 2008

By	Charles Harrigan "highhathokum" (Delaware) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, the 1 star review below is quite unfair. THIS IS NOT AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL! It is a study of Pre-Raphaelite painting techniques. And though there is a lot of information about x-raying and infrared and such, it is by no means a dry account. Interspersed are annecdotal bits that make this book very readable, and I think that a painter would find much useful here in testing out some of the movements' methods. That said, I can't imagine anyone other than a conservator or an artist maintaining interest through the entire length of the book. This is because there is such a wealth of detailed information, it would become tiresome. For those of us that are artists, it is pure gold! Contained are account ledgers from art suppliers which list materials purchased by individual artists, comprehensive lists of pigments/mediums/varnishes used in individual paintings, x-ray views of works that reveal the extent of drawing under the paint, and lots and lots of beautiful closeups! For those relatively new to the period and the movement, there are a few essays that precede the nitty gritty info. I can't thank Tate enough for publishing this valuable book.