Painting the Word – Christian Pictures & their Meanings: Christian Pictures and Their Meanings (National Gallery of London (Paperback)) - Softcover

Drury, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300092946 ISBN 13: 9780300092943

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2002

Synopsis

Christianity is another country, says John Drury, and we need to familiarize ourselves with it in order to understand the universal meaning of its art. In this beautifully written book, Drury, an Anglican priest and theologian, looks at religious paintings through the ages and presents them to us in a fresh way-as works filled with passion, stories, and meaning. They become the poetry of such eternal human concerns as birth, death, sacrifice, love, and moral goodness and failure. Drury points out the religious meanings in paintings that range from works by Piero della Francesca to those by Velazquez. In each case he views the whole picture-its composition, color, drawing, figures, and even architecture-and shows how it creates a religious image that addresses the spectator as a spiritual human being. Drury also provides a historical context for the works, comparing our perception with the perceptions of, for example, the medieval monarch or the Renaissance merchant who first commissioned the work. He examines how these pictures are able to speak to audiences across time and space, and in the process he allows us to respond to them at a more imaginative, empathetic level.

About this title

Review:

"...combines commentary that is both artistic criticism and devotional appreciation, and both of a high order..." -- First Things

"A superb book: never has the art of looking been more clearly and pervasively - not explained, but demonstrated." -- Sister Wendy Beckett

"An informative, inspiring book, the reading of which will make your next visit to your local museum of fine arts a more rewarding experience..." -- Franco Mormando, America

"Drury offers a guidebook to help the contemporary reader decipher the messages conveyed in Christian art." -- Library Journal

"John Drury approaches his quest with a great warmth of intellect and his enthusiasm is engaging ... a lovely piece of writing." -- Christopher Colven, The Art Newspaper

"Renaissance art aficionados will want this book as their gallery companion." -- Publishers Weekly

"Stimulating." -- Stephen Prickett, Times Literary Supplement

From the Publisher:

Reviews
'John Drury...approaches his quest with a great warmth of intellect and his enthusiasm is engaging...lovely piece of writing.' - Christopher Colven - Art Newspaper

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0300092946
• ISBN 13: 9780300092943
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 220