Looking at Paintings : A Guide to Technical Terms

What is tempera? What is foreshortening? What is fresco? These terms—and more than 100 others—are explained and illustrated in Looking at Paintings.

First published in 1992, Looking at Paintings—now thoroughly revised and expanded—presents concise and readable explanations of the technical terms most often countered by museum-goers. This new edition pays special attention to the processes and methods of paintings conservation; it also offers definitions and examples of materials and techniques—such as color field and collage—that did not appear in the earlier volume. With illustrations, all in color, that have been specially chosen from the masterpieces in the J. Paul Getty Museum and other collections, this book will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of painting.

 Tiarna Doherty is associate conservator in the Department of Paintings Conservation at the J. Paul Getty Museum.  Anne T. Woollett is associate curator in the Department of Paintings at the J. Paul Getty Museum.