Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art was written by art historian Albert Edward Elsen. This work delves into the visual arts such as painting, drawing and sculpting.

In Purposes of Art the author has opted not to simplify the discussion in order to attract a larger audience. Rather, Elsen's work is intended for those with a keen interest in art history and who thus have a base of knowledge in the subject matter. The book is not organized chronologically, as many books of art history are, but rather thematically. Each theme contains an examination of a number of different works, often from very different time periods. Examples of themes discussed include images of Gods, heaven and earth in fifteenth-century Italian art, images of authority, nature, and many more. Some chapters are narrower in their focus, including several detailing the work of a single artist, such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Black and white photos are reproduced as part of the text, and have generally maintained a reasonable level of quality.

Albert Edward Elsen is a knowledgeable and passionate art historian, and this work demonstrates the depth of his expertise. The writing is concise yet illuminating. The thematic approach to the subject matter is appropriate and makes this an eminently readable volume.

Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art is a well crafted overview of art history. Elsen's work does not break new ground, however it is an accomplished treatise of the subject matter. Readers interested in the appreciation of art will certainly find this book to be a worthwhile addition to their library.

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