Paintings That Changed the World: From Lascaux to Picasso - Hardcover

Reichold, Klaus; Graf, Bernhard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3791319833 ISBN 13: 9783791319834

Publisher: Prestel Pub, 1999

Synopsis

Why is it that certain paintings fascinate us so? What is it about them that makes them so alluring? Whether prehistoric cave paintings or Renaissance masterpieces, this richly illustrated volume explains the story behind the people and events depicted in the world's most renowned works of art.
The authors offer compelling and other amusing insights and approach art's icons in a refreshingly unconventional manner. In a light, uncomplicated style, they describe why many of these works became symbols of an entire age. They take account of major themes, such as love, dreams, revolution, and war, to explain why certain works were considered important in their day, and why they have remained crucial ever since.
The headings of the individual texts succinctly describe the significance of each painting, and all works are exquisitely reproduced as full-page colour illustrations.

About this title

From the Publisher:

The authors offer compelling and other amusing insights and approach art's icons in a refreshingly unconventional manner. In a light, uncomplicated style, they describe why many of these works became symbols of an entire age.

They take account of major themes, such as love, dreams, revolution, and war, to explain why certain works were considered important in their day, and why they have remained crucial ever since. A striking visual narrative accompanies these famous topics, so many of which are bound up with historic human drama, such as the power politics of King Louis XIV or the tragic life of Vincent van Gogh, who cut off part of his ear to prove a point. Included also is anecdotal information on Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Michelangelo's Adam, and Marc Chagall's fiddler, symbolic of the fate of the Jews and the theme of the world-famous musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'. All are intriguing tales worth telling and retelling.

From the Inside Flap:

Looking at 90 of history's greatest masterpieces to explain just what makes them great, this work contains brief, informative essays that examine each work from historic and cultural perspectives and offers intriguing observations and interesting anecdotes about the artists and their eras. Full-page, colour representations accompany each essay and additional illustrations shed light on how - and why - the paintings remain influential.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prestel Pub
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 3791319833
• ISBN 13: 9783791319834
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192