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jdintr's review
4.0
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.
fourestxx's review
4.0
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.
jgwc54e5's review
4.0
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.
ladyreading365's review
4.0
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.
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