Seventeenth Century Art and Architecture by Ann Sutherland Harris Ph.D.

by Ann Sutherland Harris

"This new introduction to the major developments in art and architecture that emerged from seventeenth-century Western Europe bridges the gap between the specialized study and a more general survey. Seventeenth-Century Art and Architecture encompasses the socio-political and cultural background of the period. In the process it examines the careers of the most significant painters, sculptors, and architects, and those of less well-known artists." "Italy is the logical place to begin this geographical tour of Europe, not least because it was a magnet for Flemish and French artists, and because Italian artists were highly prized by the Spanish, French, and English courts." "Subsequent chapters focus on Flanders, Spain, France, the Dutch Republic, and England. The increasing influence of secular patronage is reflected in the popularity of mythological and biblical themes with obvious erotic content." "Major artists covered include Bernini, Borromini, Caravaggio, Carracci, Claude, Girardon, Guercino, Hals, Jones, Le Brun, Le Vau, Murillo, Poussin, Rembrandt, Reni, Ribera, Rubens, Ruisdael, Steen, Van Dyck, Velazquez, Vermeer, Wren, and Zurbaran. The seventeenth century also witnessed the emergence of successful women painters such as Artemisia Gentileschi and Clara Peeters, who receive due attention here." Covering artistic developments across six countries and examining in detail many of the artworks on display, this book demonstrates considerable breadth and depth. Reflecting the latest developments in research, it is more substantial and up-to-date than any comparable survey.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction, History, Textbooks, School, Reference

Paperback

First published October 11, 2004

Reviews

[Aldwin Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me almost a year and a half to read, but with that being said I liked this book very much. It gives a good understanding of major artists, paintings, and political movements taking place during the Baroque period. My only caution is that I can get very long at times, so you will need some patience.

[Carolyn Deboer · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a text book it's very enjoyable reading and it does cover art in 6 countries across three genre: painting, sculpture and architecture -- which is important as there is so much cross-over during this era.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book, with thorough and helpful analyses of paintings and some beautiful illustrations as well. It was disappointing though to see several works unavailable in color. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer, for example, which has some lovely colors to it, and is accessible today, was in black and white. The author literally discusses its rich colors... but the image lacks color. Perhaps some of these other B&W works were destroyed during WWII, but I don't remember reading that in the text. I find it simply weird that several works in an art history book would not be in color. Perhaps it was cheaper for the publisher or something along those lines, though I'm not knowledgeable on the subject. It was just a slight frustration.

[Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

for Baroque Art

All that Sutherland had to say was positive. C'mon, I want some art criticism! However, I still am just in love with seventeenth century, so I enjoyed it. A fair and balanced view of the Baroque movement.

[Lamadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good overview of the 17th century in Europe and how the different styles influenced each other. It's an easy read and is a great place to start.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! All I can say.