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A review by jdintr
The Secrets of Art: Hidden Messages, Meanings and Mysteries by Debra N. Mancoff
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.