At once engaging, personal, and analytical, this book provides the intellectual resources for the critical understanding of art
Charles Harrison’s landmark book offers an original, clear, and wide-ranging introduction to the arts of painting and sculpture, to the principal artistic print media, and to the visual arts of modernism and post-modernism. Covering the entire history of art, from Paleolithic cave painting to contemporary art, it provides foundational guidance on the basic character and techniques of the different art forms, on the various genres of painting in the Western tradition, and on the techniques of sculpture as they have been practiced over several millennia and across a wide range of cultures. Throughout the book, Harrison discusses the relative priorities of aesthetic appreciation and historical inquiry, and the importance of combining the two approaches. Written in a style that is at once graceful, engaging, and personal, as well as analytical and exact, this illuminating book offers an impassioned and timely defense of the importance and value of the firsthand encounter with works of art, whether in museums or in their original locations.
At once engaging, personal, and analytical, this book provides the intellectual resources for the critical understanding of art
Charles Harrison’s landmark book offers an original, clear, and wide-ranging introduction to the arts of painting and sculpture, to the principal artistic print media, and to the visual arts of modernism and post-modernism. Covering the entire history of art, from Paleolithic cave painting to contemporary art, it provides foundational guidance on the basic character and techniques of the different art forms, on the various genres of painting in the Western tradition, and on the techniques of sculpture as they have been practiced over several millennia and across a wide range of cultures. Throughout the book, Harrison discusses the relative priorities of aesthetic appreciation and historical inquiry, and the importance of combining the two approaches. Written in a style that is at once graceful, engaging, and personal, as well as analytical and exact, this illuminating book offers an impassioned and timely defense of the importance and value of the firsthand encounter with works of art, whether in museums or in their original locations.
Charles Harrison (1942–2009) was professor emeritus at the Open University and had previously held positions at the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Getty Research Institute.
"Read An Introduction to Art and then visit your favourite gallery
– I guarantee you won’t look at the artworks quite the same ever
again."—Charles Willmott, Artists & Illustrators
"It is hard to think of a book with such a broad range which
succeeds as well in equipping beginning students and general
readers to think intelligently and fruitfully about art."—John
Hyman, University of Oxford
"This sprawling book—an introduction to the experience and history
of sculpture, painting, and prints—presents nothing less than a
rethinking of the way art is approached both in literal and
figurative terms: how is it seen in a museum? And, how is it to be
described by the art historian and the 'lay'
museum-goer?"—Christopher Heuer, Princeton University
"Anyone familiar with the history and criticism of modern art will
know that Harrison’s credentials are unsurpassed for the task he
sets himself in An Introduction to Art. This book exceeds
expectations in every respect. The breadth of materials handled by
the author—and the clarity of his claims about them—make this book
illuminating for students, useful for teachers, and a welcome
alternative to other introductory texts. Most importantly, it is
original in its approach and compelling in its expression."—Michael
Schreyach, Trinity University
"This book is made up of absolutely superb and foundational
discussions and arguments."—Susan Hollis Clayson, Northwestern
University
"The book is tremendously successful as a narrative about
contemplating why one bothers to look at art . . . Harrison’s
aphoristic economy positively influences the readerly experience in
many ways—most of all, it produces a tone that is relaxed and
conversational, yet also probing and serious."—Matthew Jesse
Jackson, University of Chicago
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