Take a Closer Look (ebook)

Argumento de Take a Closer Look (ebook)

What happens when we look at a painting? What do we think about? What do we imagine? How can we explain, even to ourselves, what we see or think we see? And how can art historians interpret with any seriousness what they observe? In six engaging, short narrative "fictions," each richly illustrated in color, Daniel Arasse, one of the most brilliant art historians of our time, cleverly and gracefully guides readers through a variety of adventures in seeing, from Velázquez to Titian, Bruegel to Tintoretto.

By demonstrating that we don't really see what these paintings are trying to show us, Arasse makes it clear that we need to take a closer look. In chapters that each have a different form, including a letter, an interview, and an animated conversation with a colleague, the book explores how these pictures teach us about ways of seeing across the centuries. In the process, Arasse freshly lays bare the dazzling power of painting. Fast-paced and full of humor as well as insight, this is a book for anyone who cares about really looking at, seeing, and understanding paintings.

"In this publication of work by the eminent late art historian Arasse, the author searches for the meaning of master paintings. He discusses details of work that are often overlooked, and thus provides descriptions of things usually not seen."--Choice

"Take a Closer Look is an outstanding example of what is possible when the stiff formalities of scholarly prose are cast aside in favour of a more playful, imaginative approach. . . . [A] delightful guide to seeing art with new eyes."--K. E. Gover, Times Higher Education

"The casual nature of [Arasse's] language cannot mask his tremendous erudition, all while emphasizing his ease in navigating within the pieces and his familiarity with the Zeitgeist."--Armelle Godeluck, Lire

One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2014

Daniel Arasse (1944-2003) was professor of art history at the Sorbonne, director of the French Institute in Florence, and director of studies at lÉcole des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales. His many books include Vermeer (Princeton), Botticelli, and Anselm Kiefer.0Cara Giulia: Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan, Tintoretto 1
The Snail's Gaze: The Annunciation, Francesco del Cossa 17
Paint It Black: The Adoration of the Magi, Bruegel the Elder 39
Mary Magdalene's "Fleece" 71
The Woman in the Chest: The Venus of Urbino, Titian 89
The Eye of the Master: Las Meninas, Velázquez 129
Illustration Credits 161
Index 163