Annotated Art

by Robert Cumming

Explore 45 of the world's favourite masterpieces with an expert. Robert Cumming, Chairman of Christies Education, London, sets out to unravel the symbols and hidden messages of art by using detailed annotation to offer a deeper understanding and richer enjoyment of the world's favourite paintings. He answers all the common questions about these paintings, from Botticelli "The Birth of Venus" to Picasso's "Guernica", explains the artist's techniques and intentions, and clarifies the meaning of obscure subjects to bring them to life for a modern audience.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Art History, Banned Books, Cultural

104 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 1995

About the author

Having swapped a promising career in law for the art world, Robert Cumming first worked as a lecturer at the Tate Gallery. He then set up The Christie’s Fine Arts Course which developed into Christie’s Education with centres and partnerships worldwide. In 2005, Robert was appointed Professor of Art History at Boston University, Massachusetts. He has published many books devoted to the delights to be found in looking at works of art which have been translated into over 24 languages, sold over one million copies, and been awarded prestigious literary prizes. The Slow Looking series is the culmination of Robert’s work and life within the art world.

Reviews

[E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

it took me two and a half years to get through a hundred pages of this book. i am finally free. hallelujah.

1,5* rounding up so i don't feel like i wasted years of my life even more. i may come back and change it though.

this was like walking into the lecture on a subject you love and being welcomed by the driest, the most monotone voice imaginable talking to you like you're a toddler. 'here's a figure. here's another figure. they mean something.' kill me now.

[Jeff Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice informative introduction to some of the worlds greatest paintings – in the case of Surat it inspired me to look at one of his paintings on the Internet in much more detail in order to learn much more about it.
So, the book served a very useful purpose in encouraging me to further explore art.

[Sharon Kulesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

a complete JOY of a book. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this, and the size of the book is perfect for it's subject matter. I feel like I can walk into an art gallery and talk about art more intelligently 😂

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting insight into old classic masterpieces...

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love art history and this book really scratched an itch to get acquainted back into that word (it's been over 10 years since my last art history class). Highly recommend if you have even the slightest interest.

[Debbie Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

a few of the spreads were fairly dull, but most had insightful and digestible bits great for kids.

[Aliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on western art from the fourteenth century onwards.

Art is a narrative of history; this book is a great visual rendering of western history of the last six centuries. To fully understand art, it needs to be seen in conjunction with some knowledge of western political and religious history.

I found the book interesting on many levels, as it allows one to enjoy art better than when seen in a museum. I have been to the Uffizi gallery in Florence and the Prado Museum in Madrid, and I would say that the book is a good precursor to seeing the real thing/s. This way when you see the original, you can be educated about it.

Seeing the works of the masters, and the evolution in artistic styles, the political stands as the very obvious. Art from the proto-renaissance, such as the ones from Giotto, to the last great master Picasso, has evolved as humanity has evolved. Modern art is a testament to the can-do attitude towards life, where rigidity has been abandoned- albiet at a cost, which is reflected by the latter being the least aesthetically gratifying of all art forms, much like the ugliness of our fast paced modern life.

It's also interesting to read this book from the perspective of the Graeco-Roman tradition, which binds the pan-European world together.

Overall a great visual and intellectual treat!

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this in conjunction with a variety of internet sources, and I was disturbed by the differences not just in interpretation, but in what was stated as fact. Now of course for all I know Robert Cumming was right every time, but taken with slipshod editing that mixed right and left on occasion, then I have my doubts. Overall, I felt this was written for the publisher in a somewhat mechanical manner. But the quality of the physical book is excellent for its price, and at least it stimulates observation and reflection.

[Ellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for both people new to art & art history and for those who know a bit already. The author discusses the artists' techniques, why the paintings are significant, materials used, and symbolism. There is a lot of information packed into the little annotations! For teens with art assignments, this would be a good place to start researching if the artist or movement is represented within (it covers most of the main developments in painting).

Recommended to people curious about art and who don't want to be intimidated by a longer book. :)

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This goes in-depth on maybe 50 or more classic paintings, discussing the historical context and technique as well as exploring the subject matter and its importance. Mostly good images and brief but interesting captions.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I've always enjoyed looking at art, and this book points out details, symbolism, styles and meanings. I was wishing it had more than one piece by each represented artist, so I could get a better sense of their style.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

DK does everything right. This book tackles each painting from a variety of perspectives: history of the artist, origin of the piece, description of painting techniques used, discussion about composition (etc.), and meanings and symbols.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cumming's guide is a detailed explanation of a series of famous art works. This oversize book presents the art on a two page spread with pointers and further information. This book is suitable for both children and adults, especially those of us with a limited art education.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction of the Great Artists of all time, however, it is very minimal in its selection of art. Cummings shares thirty to forty different paintings from Giotto to Picasso. He leads you through each painting with annotations, close-ups and commentaries. The book is a Dorling-Kindersley.

[Eric Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can say again that 'I view the world differently' after reading this book. I'm sure I only was able to simply sip from the deep well of meaning these painting provide about life and death.