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Tajemství ve výtvarném umění: Skryté vzkazy, významy a záhady
Kniha plná překvapení, odhalení, zapomenutých pokladů a ztracených příběhů – to jsou Tajemství ve výtvarném umění, která nás vezmou na cestu mezi záhady ukryté v uměleckých dílech, abychom zjistili, že umělecká díla nejsou vždy tím, čím se být zdají.
Dlouho ztracené středověké mistrovské dílo, které odkryli v londýnském Toweru. Tajný vzkaz, který je zakódován v malbě a dokáže ho přečíst jen několik vyvolených. Portrét zobrazuje vévodkyni v dlouhých šatech, která svým oděvem reprezentuje politickou a ekonomickou moc svého manžela. Fascinující příběhy těchto děl a mnoho dalšího oživuje autorka, historička a badatelka Debra N. Mancoffová, která odhaluje tajné symboly, jež používali da Vinci, Vermeer a Caravaggio, obnažuje významové vrstvy v malbách van Gogha, Picassa a Dalího a odkrývá význam děl Fridy Kahlo, Kary Walkerové a Mariny Abramovićové.
Tajemství ve výtvarném umění vycházejí z objevů pokročilých technologií, nových výzkumů, vědeckých analýz a starosvětské zvědavosti, a odhalují významy skryté pod povrchem slavných mistrovských děl ve sbírce příběhů, které plně vycházejí z faktů, a přesto jsou stejně fascinující jako fikce.
Dlouho ztracené středověké mistrovské dílo, které odkryli v londýnském Toweru. Tajný vzkaz, který je zakódován v malbě a dokáže ho přečíst jen několik vyvolených. Portrét zobrazuje vévodkyni v dlouhých šatech, která svým oděvem reprezentuje politickou a ekonomickou moc svého manžela. Fascinující příběhy těchto děl a mnoho dalšího oživuje autorka, historička a badatelka Debra N. Mancoffová, která odhaluje tajné symboly, jež používali da Vinci, Vermeer a Caravaggio, obnažuje významové vrstvy v malbách van Gogha, Picassa a Dalího a odkrývá význam děl Fridy Kahlo, Kary Walkerové a Mariny Abramovićové.
Tajemství ve výtvarném umění vycházejí z objevů pokročilých technologií, nových výzkumů, vědeckých analýz a starosvětské zvědavosti, a odhalují významy skryté pod povrchem slavných mistrovských děl ve sbírce příběhů, které plně vycházejí z faktů, a přesto jsou stejně fascinující jako fikce.
- GenresArtNonfiction
240 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 10, 2021
An interesting look at various works of art from the symbols, to works that had been altered (using modern techniques to see the underlying details), destroyed works, censorship and more. Medieval to modern works are covered.
September 21, 2021
The Secrets of Art: Uncovering the Mysteries and Messages of Great Works of Art is a thoroughly engaging and comprehensive deep dive into the hidden side of some of the worlds most prominent artworks helping to expose the mysteries, messages and symbolism behind each of them. Debra N. Mancoff is an art historian and the author of more than twenty books on European and American art and culture; she also lectures regularly at many of the major museums in the United States and Great Britain. The book offers a fresh encounter with familiar works of art, revealing untold stories, hidden meanings and surprising revelations hidden beneath the surface. Discover the secrets, mysteries, hidden meanings and stories behind famous works of art. A book full of surprises, discoveries, forgotten treasures and lost tales, The Secrets of Art takes us on a journey through the art world's mysteries to reveal that works of art are not always what they seem.
A long lost medieval masterpiece is found beneath a layer of lime wash in the Tower of London. A secret message that only an elite few can read is encoded in a painting. In a portrait, a duchess wears a gown that promotes her husband's policies and power in the guise of her style. The stories of these works, and many more, come to life in a richly informative and extensively researched book that takes us on a lively journey. Drawing upon the findings of new technology, archival research, scientific analysis and old-fashioned curiosity, Mancoff unveils the layers of meaning beneath the surfaces of well-known masterpieces in a collection of tales that are fully based in fact but are as fascinating, intriguing and engrossing as fiction. A book art lovers and casual admirers will both find appealing and, in my opinion, it is worth every penny of its purchase price. Highly recommended.
A long lost medieval masterpiece is found beneath a layer of lime wash in the Tower of London. A secret message that only an elite few can read is encoded in a painting. In a portrait, a duchess wears a gown that promotes her husband's policies and power in the guise of her style. The stories of these works, and many more, come to life in a richly informative and extensively researched book that takes us on a lively journey. Drawing upon the findings of new technology, archival research, scientific analysis and old-fashioned curiosity, Mancoff unveils the layers of meaning beneath the surfaces of well-known masterpieces in a collection of tales that are fully based in fact but are as fascinating, intriguing and engrossing as fiction. A book art lovers and casual admirers will both find appealing and, in my opinion, it is worth every penny of its purchase price. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2025
i maybe been expecting a more historical narrative type of info from this book i was still pleasantly surprised! various different aspects of secrets behind art, pieces that had been completely covered, parts of it covered, different illusions that can be created in art, the hidden identities or standings of people in renowned pieces, pieces that got altered due to various censorship throughout history, the meanings behind certain symbols within various art periods, how the clothing in pieces conveys meaning, as well as unfinished or destroyed pieces. these are all aspects of art that the common person may not think to consider when viewing art. there’s also a good mix of well known pieces from various periods of history as well as different modern pieces
August 23, 2024
This is a great resource for anyone of a historical bend interested in stories about great works of atr and the artists who painted them.
September 25, 2021
The Secrets of Art is a masterfully crafted book. It can spark a conversation and be the perfect gift for art and history curious.
The author explores the hidden stories behind a work of art, taking different perspectives and approaches. From the scientific technologies that allow to literally see "behind" the paint, over archival notes used to reconstruct the story and the background of an art piece, to the symbolism and the introspective experience that objects, clothes, poses can reveal about the artwork, the artist or ourselves.
I really enjoyed getting to explore the scientific techniques described in the book, and what they could achieve. It was a nice throwback to my MSc studies where we had a class about applied physics techniques for art restoration and investigation. But my favorite parts of the book were all the archival and historical notes the author included. It was surprising and fascinating to discover how the identity of painting/photographs sitters could be guessed by looking at the history of the painting. Or discovering how artworks in history have been altered, trimmed, modified by the artists or by others.
My hat tips off to the artistic director of the book too. The pagination design is stunning. There are bold design choices for the chapter introduction pages, with full page colors. In contrast, the inside chapters are minimal, leaving the stage for the high resolution images of the artworks, with only small captions for the authors insightful comments to direct the readers eye. The cover perfectly embodies both the crafted interior design of the book and the mood of the writing.
If I were to look for a problem on this book, would be that it is too short. I would have gladly read about twice as many examples! But, --alas!--, I understand this was not the intention of the book. The Secrets of Art is not an endless collection of facts and curiosities.
Instead, it draws the readers into changing their relationship with art pieces. It suggests us to have a different experience the next time we meet with an artwork: not only to experience the raw reaction it generates with us, but to allow it to linger longer through a process of investigation of the work, by looking at the objects, the clothes, the symbolisms and even searching for the history and the archival notes that accompany the art, the artist's journey, and thus our experience with it. And in this, The Secrets of Art succeeds without question!
Thanks to NetGalley, author Debra N. Mancoff and publisher Quarto Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in ARC.
The author explores the hidden stories behind a work of art, taking different perspectives and approaches. From the scientific technologies that allow to literally see "behind" the paint, over archival notes used to reconstruct the story and the background of an art piece, to the symbolism and the introspective experience that objects, clothes, poses can reveal about the artwork, the artist or ourselves.
I really enjoyed getting to explore the scientific techniques described in the book, and what they could achieve. It was a nice throwback to my MSc studies where we had a class about applied physics techniques for art restoration and investigation. But my favorite parts of the book were all the archival and historical notes the author included. It was surprising and fascinating to discover how the identity of painting/photographs sitters could be guessed by looking at the history of the painting. Or discovering how artworks in history have been altered, trimmed, modified by the artists or by others.
My hat tips off to the artistic director of the book too. The pagination design is stunning. There are bold design choices for the chapter introduction pages, with full page colors. In contrast, the inside chapters are minimal, leaving the stage for the high resolution images of the artworks, with only small captions for the authors insightful comments to direct the readers eye. The cover perfectly embodies both the crafted interior design of the book and the mood of the writing.
If I were to look for a problem on this book, would be that it is too short. I would have gladly read about twice as many examples! But, --alas!--, I understand this was not the intention of the book. The Secrets of Art is not an endless collection of facts and curiosities.
Instead, it draws the readers into changing their relationship with art pieces. It suggests us to have a different experience the next time we meet with an artwork: not only to experience the raw reaction it generates with us, but to allow it to linger longer through a process of investigation of the work, by looking at the objects, the clothes, the symbolisms and even searching for the history and the archival notes that accompany the art, the artist's journey, and thus our experience with it. And in this, The Secrets of Art succeeds without question!
Thanks to NetGalley, author Debra N. Mancoff and publisher Quarto Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this book in ARC.
September 19, 2021
The Secrets of Art by Debra N Mancoff is an informative and entertaining look at the various ways we have to better understand the story of a work of art, and thus increase our pleasure in looking at it.
The introduction presents both the foundational reasons for this enquiry as well as the myriad ways in which archival research coupled with modern science and technology can unlock many of the mysteries we may not have even known existed. Mancoff does this through presenting these ideas in broad terms and then using The Night Watch as an example of how these questions are both raised and answered. Using this work as an example in the introduction works very well to introduce the book, well, maybe not so much for those who only want a bullet point outline of why the book is important or is even in existence. You know, like gossipy books about President's wives.
The works included range across time and style, with just enough information about each to give a reader unfamiliar with the work and/or its history a starting point for the revelations to come. Like any book that uses a number of works of art, what is included is certainly open for debate. Some might have wanted more commonly known examples included and those who want to gatekeep art might be offended that works they don't like were included, even when they cloak their opposition in pseudo-theoretical manure. But the works included all serve as excellent examples of the many ways the stories and backgrounds of art works can be lost or hidden, and how we can recover those histories.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in art and art history, as well as restoration. I also think those with just a passing interest in art will enjoy the mysteries surrounding these works even if the works don't particularly speak to them.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
The introduction presents both the foundational reasons for this enquiry as well as the myriad ways in which archival research coupled with modern science and technology can unlock many of the mysteries we may not have even known existed. Mancoff does this through presenting these ideas in broad terms and then using The Night Watch as an example of how these questions are both raised and answered. Using this work as an example in the introduction works very well to introduce the book, well, maybe not so much for those who only want a bullet point outline of why the book is important or is even in existence. You know, like gossipy books about President's wives.
The works included range across time and style, with just enough information about each to give a reader unfamiliar with the work and/or its history a starting point for the revelations to come. Like any book that uses a number of works of art, what is included is certainly open for debate. Some might have wanted more commonly known examples included and those who want to gatekeep art might be offended that works they don't like were included, even when they cloak their opposition in pseudo-theoretical manure. But the works included all serve as excellent examples of the many ways the stories and backgrounds of art works can be lost or hidden, and how we can recover those histories.
I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in art and art history, as well as restoration. I also think those with just a passing interest in art will enjoy the mysteries surrounding these works even if the works don't particularly speak to them.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
September 24, 2021
Well if nothing else I should thank this book for introducing me to Piranesi's fantasy prison worlds, but there is a lot of breadth here that was most welcome. If you've seen but one art documentary on TV these days you'll know the drill – a painting will be dragged from the gallery walls or the vaults and subject to a thousand and one analytical scans, showing what came before the product as we might see it today. The book follows a very strict structure – a full-page representation of the image, a one-page essay about it, and two pages (alright, four for "The Ambassadors" and a couple of others) going into further detail and bringing what the science or the expert alone can show us to the page.
Thus a lady gains an ermine in the making of the painting, while a lass with a letter lost a cupid – we can even witness the dust that it gathered before it was painted over. That's but the start here, however, for we get 'straighter' essays too – more standard art history/appreciation pages, with the one on Bridget Riley much more on her overt technique and effect than any early draft, and ones that cannot nail any answer down (Hello, 'Las Meninas'). A chapter on contentious works that involved police cancellation, censorship or mass protest is very interesting, too – and perhaps the widest ranging when it comes to the art pieces themselves. Closing with incomplete pieces shows how we're approaching art at enjoyably peculiar angles. Classics are here, as well as unsightly daguerrotypes and pieces I've never heard of (mostly for good reason, mind), so the contents certainly don't stick to the obvious subjects. Indeed, this peels back the covers and discovers a lot – and that's exactly what we happy readers will do with these back-stories. A strong four stars.
Thus a lady gains an ermine in the making of the painting, while a lass with a letter lost a cupid – we can even witness the dust that it gathered before it was painted over. That's but the start here, however, for we get 'straighter' essays too – more standard art history/appreciation pages, with the one on Bridget Riley much more on her overt technique and effect than any early draft, and ones that cannot nail any answer down (Hello, 'Las Meninas'). A chapter on contentious works that involved police cancellation, censorship or mass protest is very interesting, too – and perhaps the widest ranging when it comes to the art pieces themselves. Closing with incomplete pieces shows how we're approaching art at enjoyably peculiar angles. Classics are here, as well as unsightly daguerrotypes and pieces I've never heard of (mostly for good reason, mind), so the contents certainly don't stick to the obvious subjects. Indeed, this peels back the covers and discovers a lot – and that's exactly what we happy readers will do with these back-stories. A strong four stars.
November 9, 2021
I throughly enjoyed reading this book and learnt so much from it. I loved the pictures of the artwork selected . They were very clear and very beautiful. Then each photo of the art work areas were highlighted and zoomed in to look in detail with descriptions of why the artists had added this detail. Also why sections where painted over as the artists changed their minds using some of arts latest science to discover interesting details. I loved learning about there different techniques, styles and if they were influenced by other artists. The layout really made this book brilliant. The sections are colour coded making it really easy to navigate through. The text supporting each piece of artwork showed it was well researched and wrote. I appreciate art but am not an artist or well read on the subject and it seemed as if this book had been wrote just for me helping me understand the artists thought processes while producing the wonderful piece of artwork. There was a vast and diverse choice of pieces to view in this book. I really enjoyed its diversity. I especially enjoyed reading about the Banksy at the end of the book the picture that was shredded at the end of the auction.
So much praise to the author and publishing team for bringing us such a wonderful and insightful book helping readers enjoy and understand a diverse range of artwork.
So much praise to the author and publishing team for bringing us such a wonderful and insightful book helping readers enjoy and understand a diverse range of artwork.
August 24, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the digital ARC, this is my honest review.
This is a comprehensive and incredibly detailed book focusing on a wide range of artworks- from Da Vinci to Banksy- as well as photography and sculpture. The layout of the book allowed for greater study and brought focus to tiny aspects of paintings that wouldn't always be immediately obvious; the explanations on each artwork are accessible and don't assume that the reader is an expert. My favourite aspect of this book is how the author brings more context into certain aspects in each chapter- such as clothing and fashion, the destruction of artwork or sculpture over time and censorship- by focusing on specific artworks (such as those by Caravaggio and Kehinde Wiley). This book covers creativity from a diverse range of individuals and emphasises the histories behind paintings and sculpture. I'd recommend this book to anyone, even people who aren't fans of art, as it is clear and concise in the information it's giving. This book is an excellent starting point for someone to learn more about art or for an individual who is already passionate about it.
This is a comprehensive and incredibly detailed book focusing on a wide range of artworks- from Da Vinci to Banksy- as well as photography and sculpture. The layout of the book allowed for greater study and brought focus to tiny aspects of paintings that wouldn't always be immediately obvious; the explanations on each artwork are accessible and don't assume that the reader is an expert. My favourite aspect of this book is how the author brings more context into certain aspects in each chapter- such as clothing and fashion, the destruction of artwork or sculpture over time and censorship- by focusing on specific artworks (such as those by Caravaggio and Kehinde Wiley). This book covers creativity from a diverse range of individuals and emphasises the histories behind paintings and sculpture. I'd recommend this book to anyone, even people who aren't fans of art, as it is clear and concise in the information it's giving. This book is an excellent starting point for someone to learn more about art or for an individual who is already passionate about it.
September 20, 2021
Mancoff does more than "uncover" the secrets wide range of the artworks she covers in this book, dating from the Renaissance to the 21st Century.
Although her first two chapters reveal the cutting-edge technologies that help us to find the artists' original images, covered up by grime or by moralistic censors. But as the book goes on, the 'secrets' become more prosaic: hidden symbols, the artist himself (all but only 2 or 3 images are by men) hiding in the scene, unique cuts of dress, jewels.
What I liked most about this book, however, was the rich illustrations, which pinpoint specific details-- 'secrets' that Mancoff hopes to unravel, and there are connections to other relevant paintings as well.
So often when I read an art book, I find myself googling the works themselves so I can zoom in for a closer look. I didn't have to do that with The Secrets of Art. It gave me a new appreciation for the detail and thought that has gone into some of the world's masterpieces.
(Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free galley in exchange for this honest review.
Although her first two chapters reveal the cutting-edge technologies that help us to find the artists' original images, covered up by grime or by moralistic censors. But as the book goes on, the 'secrets' become more prosaic: hidden symbols, the artist himself (all but only 2 or 3 images are by men) hiding in the scene, unique cuts of dress, jewels.
What I liked most about this book, however, was the rich illustrations, which pinpoint specific details-- 'secrets' that Mancoff hopes to unravel, and there are connections to other relevant paintings as well.
So often when I read an art book, I find myself googling the works themselves so I can zoom in for a closer look. I didn't have to do that with The Secrets of Art. It gave me a new appreciation for the detail and thought that has gone into some of the world's masterpieces.
(Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free galley in exchange for this honest review.
August 20, 2021
This is absolutely stunning and fascinating! Even someone like me, a casual art aficionado, can spend a few mesmerized hours poring over the gorgeous, varied images and learning about the stories and secrets hidden within in captivating detail.
The art is beautifully rendered, both in wide scope and in closer foci, highlighting critical details. The range is superb too--classics, photography, fashion, street art, and even installations are all represented. I appreciated exploring such a huge range of artists, from Caravaggio to ODB!
This would make a wonderful addition to libraries, but also a great gift for almost anyone, even if they're not particular art fans. It's interesting and accessible enough to appeal to everyone and I can't wait to get my own copy!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The art is beautifully rendered, both in wide scope and in closer foci, highlighting critical details. The range is superb too--classics, photography, fashion, street art, and even installations are all represented. I appreciated exploring such a huge range of artists, from Caravaggio to ODB!
This would make a wonderful addition to libraries, but also a great gift for almost anyone, even if they're not particular art fans. It's interesting and accessible enough to appeal to everyone and I can't wait to get my own copy!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
October 2, 2021
The Secrets of Art: Uncovering the Mysteries and Messages of Great Works of Art provides a fascinating insight into a range of famous artists and their work.
I’ve always had an interest in art but my knowledge is fairly limited, so this book allowed for a wonderful refresher on familiar artists such as Van Gogh and Banksy as well as offering an introduction to new artists to appreciate and research including Romaine Brooks and Cindy Sherman.
Debra Mancoff takes us on a journey from medieval artworks through to more modern pieces, including photography, controversial displays (such as the American Flag installation by Dread Scott) and art that has been destroyed, lost or damaged over time.
The most interesting sections were those that provided a glimpse of the secrets, hidden images and previous drafts that can lie beneath well-known artworks and the avenues that technology is opening to allow us to better understand art and its development.
A highly recommended read!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve always had an interest in art but my knowledge is fairly limited, so this book allowed for a wonderful refresher on familiar artists such as Van Gogh and Banksy as well as offering an introduction to new artists to appreciate and research including Romaine Brooks and Cindy Sherman.
Debra Mancoff takes us on a journey from medieval artworks through to more modern pieces, including photography, controversial displays (such as the American Flag installation by Dread Scott) and art that has been destroyed, lost or damaged over time.
The most interesting sections were those that provided a glimpse of the secrets, hidden images and previous drafts that can lie beneath well-known artworks and the avenues that technology is opening to allow us to better understand art and its development.
A highly recommended read!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2021
Very interesting stories about classic and modern artwork releaves if not secrets, little known facts about them. Maybe something is missing, I did not find a word about Peter Greenaway's film and documentary on Rembrandt's Night watch wth the murder story. I'd have included also the marvelous Mystic Lamb of van Eyck (Ghent Altarpiece) with the stolen and still missing piece.
On the other hand, I'd have preferred not to see Abramovic with her calculated for effect provocations, the Bansky trick, the erased Kooning, the defacing of Mona Lisa by Duchamp (IMHO the typical example of those modern artists that, unable to create anything of value, destroy and try to ridiculize masterworks of classical art.
Well presented, richly illustrated.
On the other hand, I'd have preferred not to see Abramovic with her calculated for effect provocations, the Bansky trick, the erased Kooning, the defacing of Mona Lisa by Duchamp (IMHO the typical example of those modern artists that, unable to create anything of value, destroy and try to ridiculize masterworks of classical art.
Well presented, richly illustrated.
September 18, 2021
In "The Secrets of Art," Debra N. Mancoff reveals what we can learn about paintings, photographs and other art objects, in particular through modern imaging techniques that were not available to previous generations. The material is accessible even for a non-expert like myself, and I found the many stories fascinating. The introduction jumps right into an example rather than giving an overview of Ms. Mancoff's intentions, which I found a little off-putting. I wanted more context about why this book is important. However, all in all, it was a delight, and I recommend it to art and mystery lovers alike.
October 13, 2021
I’ve been to a few of the galleries and museums that display the 45 paintings or other types of masterpieces featured in this book. To think that I might have walked past without appreciating the secrets or stories that each of them hold!
What a well-written and fascinating book this is! I think it has changed forever the way that I’ll look at any major works of art. I loved the cropped and zoomed-in photos that focus on points of interest. Bravo, well done! Anyone with even just a passing interest in art will be intrigued.
What a well-written and fascinating book this is! I think it has changed forever the way that I’ll look at any major works of art. I loved the cropped and zoomed-in photos that focus on points of interest. Bravo, well done! Anyone with even just a passing interest in art will be intrigued.
March 1, 2023
I devoured this book. It was so enjoyable to get into the mind of the artist and discover the hidden jems in each artwork. Many of the artworks I had seen before but now I saw them in a different way with their secrets exposed. If you like art you will love this book. It would make a great coffee table book to look through again and again
December 19, 2021
Really great book for anyone that loves art. A well put together. Recommend this book to anyone who is curious about art and are looking to better understand what we are looking at.
June 14, 2024
As someone who likes art but doesn't know a lot about art history, I really enjoyed learning about these different works.
December 29, 2021
This is a thoroughly enjoyable beautiful book which will appeal to many an art enthousiast. The book takes you on a tour through the ages, from the middle ages to present day, discussing the secrets of artworks based on 8 individual themes. The author discusses for example what is hidden below the surface of a painting, what role censorship has played in the (de)construction of a work or the presence of secret symbols. The author doesn't restrict herself to just paintings but also discusses photography, sculpture and even performance art, from familiar artists like Van Eyck, Caravaggio, Dali and Banksy to lesser known (at least for yours truly) like Kehinde Wiley and Robert Rauschenberg.
Each page brought a smile to my face as I read the accompanying text and then studied the close-ups on details, although after a while this did become slightly formulaic: I felt that some of the works should have deserved a longer consideration to fully appreciate the background. I was quite surprised to find that even some of the pictures I consider myself fairly familiar with, having seen them multiple times, still had secrets to be revealed. However, as the author started the introduction with a discussion of the history of Rembrandt's Night Watch, the one secret I was sure to be revealed wasn't even mentioned (spoiler alert: Rembrandt has included himself in the picture somewhere). Maybe this could be the starting point for The Secret of Art Part 2?
Thanks to NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
#TheSecretsofArt #NetGalley
Each page brought a smile to my face as I read the accompanying text and then studied the close-ups on details, although after a while this did become slightly formulaic: I felt that some of the works should have deserved a longer consideration to fully appreciate the background. I was quite surprised to find that even some of the pictures I consider myself fairly familiar with, having seen them multiple times, still had secrets to be revealed. However, as the author started the introduction with a discussion of the history of Rembrandt's Night Watch, the one secret I was sure to be revealed wasn't even mentioned (spoiler alert: Rembrandt has included himself in the picture somewhere). Maybe this could be the starting point for The Secret of Art Part 2?
Thanks to NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
#TheSecretsofArt #NetGalley
August 13, 2024
Awesome book
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews