How to Read a Painting: Decoding, Understanding and Enjoying the Old Masters.

de Rynck, Patrick

ISBN 10: 0500512000 / ISBN 13: 9780500512005

Published by London: Thames and Hudson, 2004., 2004

About this Item

Paperback book in good+ condition. Minor general wear to covers. Page edges tanned throughout. 4to. 383pp.

Seller Inventory # 23733

Bibliographic Details

• Title: How to Read a Painting: Decoding, Understanding and Enjoying the Old Masters.
• Publisher: London: Thames and Hudson, 2004.
• Publication Date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0500512000
• ISBN 13: 9780500512005
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art

About this title

Synopsis

Clues to the meaning of the masterpieces of art history lie in a rich system of symbols, themes and motifs that often elude the modern eye. Without the intimate knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology, folklore and Christian theology so vivid in the minds of the artists and familiar to their public, we often miss the visual hints that gave contemporary meaning to a painting.

How to Read a Painting draws our attention to the imagery and the wonderful, apparently inconsequential details in paintings by Giotto, Botticelli, El Greco, Michelangelo, Rubens, Vermeer, Hogarth, Gainsborough and many more. Brief yet illuminating explanations accompany over 900 colour illustrations, providing the means to interpret and enjoy these and many other works.

About the Author

Patrick de Rynck is a classicist and translator. He is the author of several books, including How to Read a Painting and Understanding Paintings, both published by Thames & Hudson.