An Introduction to Egyptian Art

Original cloth boards with bright gilt titling and illustration. No ownership marks. Numerous illustrations with 10 in colour. 256 pages clean and tight. Egyptian art, whose mysteries and splendours it is possible to analyse afresh in the light of recent discoveries, is unique in its sources of inspiration, its distinctive techniques, and its expression of lasting philosophical and spiritual values. This expert survey, intended for the general reader, by one of Italy's leading archaeologists, attempts to penetrate into the world which gave birth to these art forms. The author devotes particular attention to the magicoreligious aura which enveloped the creative artist and the geometrical rules of propriety and harmony which conditioned his work. From the golden age of the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties down to the imperialistic exploits of the rulers of the New Kingdom, Egyptian sculpture, architecture and painting are assessed in the context of the times and conditions in which they flourished; and there is full coverage too of the neglected minor arts-paper, faience, vitreous pastes, wood carving, goldsmith's work and bronzes-with examples of the finest achievements in all these fields, reproduced in 102 black-and-white illustrations and ten pages of colour. Size: 8vo.…