ART THEMES AND VARIATIONS

by K. E. Maison ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Here is a collection of 271 plates of paintings, sketches, and photographs of sculptures, done in black and white as well as color, gathered together within a unique framework stressing subject matter. A specific work of a famous artist is presented surrounded by one or more copies of that work done by another equally famous artist. In his insightful introduction, Michael Ayrton dispels the myth that copying is the sister of forgery. He proceeds to outline the values of a copy, from an artistic viewpoint. If the copy is good, it is artistically valid in itself, for the artist will have ""recreated"", bringing to his work his own perception, judgment, and imagination. The copy, having emphasized one or another aspect of the original may even shed light on its predecessor. These are only several of the values convincingly presented in an exuberant introduction. Mr. Ayrton uses specific paintings mounted in color and dispersed throughout his text to illustrate his points. Later in the book, short descriptions written by Mr. Maison, elucidating an artistic point or a historical fact, accompany each picture. Supplementary notes in the back further enhance the text. Viewing original masterpieces alongside their original copies, deepen our knowledge and appreciation of both. An exciting new approach to time honored material.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Abrams

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1960

Categories: NONFICTION