Icons of Europe (World Art) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3791326333 ISBN 13: 9783791326337

Publisher: Prestel Pub, 2002

Synopsis

The fifty-four masterpieces selected give full expression to the spirit of the different cultures in which they were created. World Art: Europe presents a panorama of artworks, ranging from the cave paintings at Chauvet and Early Cycladic figures, works from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, to more recent works by such influential artists as Monet, van Gogh, Picasso, or Beuys.
Several traditions are unique to the history of art in Europe, such as the depiction of the individual since the Renaissance period; nowhere else can such exquisite paintings on panel be seen, and seldom is such a brilliant synthesis of the arts to be found as in Gothic cathedrals or in the masterpieces of the Baroque period. Creative genius was accorded respect even in Antiquity, and since the Middle Ages the names of important masters have been known to successive generations. Objects from cultural environments as far apart as Scotland and Crete, the Scythian Steppes, or Samothrace are included alongside works from central European countries such as Italy, Germany, or France. In addition to painting, masterpieces in marble, bronze, and terra-cotta are featured, as well as mosaics, tapestries, stained glass, and objects made of wood, porcelain, and gold. Each of these stunning works of art is accompanied by a cogent commentary by a renowned scholar.

About this title

From the Publisher

The fifty carefully selected works shown here give full expression to the spirit of the cultures in which they were created. Objects from the early Cycladic civilization, the Greek and Roman empires, medieval, Gothic and Renaissance periods are represented here, as well as more recent works from the 18th through 20th centuries. Portraits and secular paintings illustrate Europe’s ascendance in the field of representational art, and its tradition of depicting the individual since the Renaissance. Including examples of modern art, this volume displays works in a wide variety of media showing the impressive range of creative achievements over thousands of years of artistic production. A fascinating survey that will be of interest to experts and students alike, this visual journey through European civilization offers a panoramic history of art that informed and transformed the West.

About the Author

Art historian Peter Stepan is the author of "Africa", the first volume in Prestel’s World Art series, and editor of "Icons of Photography" and "Photos That Changed the World" (Prestel). He lives in Munich, Germany.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prestel Pub
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 3791326333
• ISBN 13: 9783791326337
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 127
• Editor: Stepan Peter