Title
Portraits: A History
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From its mythic beginnings the tracing of a man's shadow to maintain his memory during a long absence to presentday 'portrayals' that are almost completely abstract, the genre of portraiture has had the unique goal of capturing, communicating, and documenting humankind's selfimage through the ages. This sumptuous, oversized art treasury, with nearly 300 fullpage reproductions of major works from museums all over the world, presents the history of Western portraiture, from its evolution in antiquity to its flowering in the Renaissance and Baroque eras to its transformation in modern times. The masters of the portrait including Jan van Eyck, Leonardo, Raphael, Frans Hals, Hans Holbein, and Rembrandt are all well represented, as are more recent practitioners of the genre such as Picasso, Chuck Close, and Gerhard Richter. Numerous stunning, closeup details provide an intimate view of the subjects depicted and invaluable information about the artists' techniques.Art historian Andreas Beyer's wellresearched and farranging text offers a fascinating overview of portraiture in all its manifestations: individual and group portraits; official and casual settings; sitters ranging from the famous to the anonymous; renderings of lovers, friends, and family; artists' powerful depictions of themselves; idealized visions along with wartsandall realism. Through Beyer's vivid description of the portrait's artists, sitters, and contexts artistic and political we see how portraiture rose in status from the lowest rank in the hierarchy of genres to a legitimate and respected practice. Sometimes, as in the case of Diego Velazquez's Las Meninas, portraits would encompass the greatest masterpieces in a given artist's oeuvre. Thomas Gainsborough's The Blue Boy, Francois Boucher's Madame de Pompadour, John Singer Sargent's Madame X, Pablo Picasso's Gertrude Stein, and scores of other works by the most accomplished artists in portraiture illustrate, as the introduction states, 'the seduction of everything human in the image.' This volume is a celebration of a key aspect of our artistic heritage.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has four hundred sixteen pages. It is a comprehensive art treasury covering the history of portraiture.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Portraits: A History'? A: The book measures eleven point twenty-six inches in length, one point five inches in width, and thirteen point twelve inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover. The hardcover format ensures durability for frequent use.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Portraits: A History'? A: The author is Andreas Beyer. He is a well-regarded art historian known for his insights into portraiture.
- Q: What is the category of this book? A: This book is categorized under History. It explores the evolution of portraiture through various historical contexts.
- Q: What is the primary focus of 'Portraits: A History'? A: The primary focus is on the history of Western portraiture. It covers significant artists and their contributions across different eras.
- Q: How do I read 'Portraits: A History'? A: You can read this book like any standard book. It offers a narrative on portraiture along with visual examples and analyses.
- Q: Is this book suitable for children? A: No, this book is not specifically aimed at children. It is more appropriate for adults or older teens interested in art history.
- Q: What kind of illustrations does the book contain? A: The book contains nearly three hundred full-page reproductions. These illustrations showcase major works of portraiture from around the world.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place. Keeping it away from direct sunlight will help preserve the cover and pages.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as they may damage the paper.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers offer a satisfaction guarantee.
- Q: Is there a warranty on this book? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties. However, check with the seller for their return policy.
- Q: How does this book compare to other art history books? A: This book offers a focused study on portraiture, unlike broader art history books. It provides detailed analyses of key artists and works.
- Q: Who would benefit from reading this book? A: Art students, historians, and enthusiasts would benefit greatly. It provides valuable insights into the significance of portraiture in art.