Egyptian art was a sacred, holy art. This world and the next were inextricably connected. The proximity of human beings and gods affected art, led to a unique style, and a canon of rules that retained its validity from the Old Kingdom to the Late Era.
If you thought these paintings were familiar, look again, and look closer. Part art history, part detective work, this fascinating collection explores 100 world-famous works of art through enlarged details, revealing the fashions and lifestyles, the loves and intrigues, politics and people that truly make a masterpiece.
With an acute sense of observation and subjects ranging from the biblical tower of Babel to the small-town festivals of peasant life, the master draftsman Pieter Bruegel the Elder provides a unique witness to both the religious mores and the close-knit folk culture of his time.
Discover the hidden details concealed within depictions of powerful figures of
the past, from the sixth-century prostitute turned Byzantine Empress Theodora
to military leader and famous co-author of history's rudest letter Ivan Sirko.
Part detectives, part historians, Rose-Marie and Rainer Hagen dissect 13
historical masterworks, complete with...
Awe-inspiring classics become accessible, captivating stories thanks to this investigation into the covert world of Renaissance masterpieces. From Botticelli to Michelangelo, delve into the works of Italian masters like never before. Rose-Marie and Rainer Hagen meticulously dissect 12 key pieces alongside analytical essays and enlarged details...
Masterpieces under the microscope: from ancient Egyptian papyrus scrolls to 20th century works Did the Greek gods play tennis? What is the ambassador from the land of Alchemy telling us? What secrets are being told on the shores of the Island of Venus? What is a monk doing on the Ship of Fools? What Great Paintings Say has the answers to these and many other burning questions asked about the most important and famous paintings of all time. In two volumes, a selection of history's greatest masterpieces is presented chronologically, including works by Botticelli, Breughel, Chagall, Courbet, Degas, Delacroix, D?rer, Goya, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Tiepolo, Titian, and many others. Each chapter focuses on one painting, with enlarged details and in-depth texts describing their significance. Taking apart each painting and then reassembling it again like a huge jigsaw puzzle, the authors reveal the history of art as a lively panorama of forgotten worlds.
An informative introduction to one of Spain's most renowned artists. Goya (1746-1828) was the most original artist of his time and this work touches upon his versatility in differing media and portayal of emotions.
The present volume brings together some of the most important paintings of the 16th century. They offer insights into long-gone worlds, into the sphere of the rich and powerful and into the daily lives of peasants and craftsmen. They uncover the stories and myths that preoccupied them, and their religious and material desires. The authors discuss what we are seeing and provide background information that makes the pictures more accessible. They see each painting not just as a work of art, but also as a document of its day.