What Makes a Masterpiece: Artists, Writers, and Curators on the World's Greatest Art

by Christopher Dell

Masterpieces aren't just the great paintings we all know; the Rembrandts, Van Goghs, and Matisse that form the rudiments of our artistic vocabulary. Christopher Dell's What Makes A Masterpiece rejects the notion of any static canon; in its place, this profusely illustrated hardcover advances an interactive multicultural inquiry that challenges narrow cultural and aesthetic preconceptions. Drawing on the writings of artists, museum directors, and writers, he invites readers to view paintings and sculptures in more open, analytical ways. The book's 280 illustrations set the tone of this insightful visual adventure.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Art History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2010

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, which covers major works of art from cave paintings up to 1900. For each work a different art historian or expert writes a few pages about what makes this work special or important. As you can imagine the quality of the write-ups varies, but they are generally very good. Each one is complimented by several beautiful full color pictures. This book introduced me to a number of works with which I was unfamiliar, and also led me to re-examine works I thought I knew well.

[Bill Eger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compendium of 70 works from early days of our occupation of earth from pre-history to Cezanne. Compiled by Christopher Dell, the 285 illustrations are studied by 60 erudite contributors who open the door to deeper understanding of this wide range of artistic expression.

That some of the works and comments introduce much that I had not understood attests to the success of the effort. Many of the works are based in a wide variety of religious subjects, some of which I had no knowledge to bring to their enjoyment.

The book widened my scope of understanding in many ways and opened my eyes to curiosities that I would have otherwise overlooked.

[Dorinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Quality plates and interesting essays by interested observers---more than teh coffee table book it appears to be at first glance

[carelessdestiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a completely sensual experience going through this book. Beautiful works illustrated with perfect colour reproductions and learned commentaries that never lapse into the usual academic cliches .