FRAGMENTS FROM THE STORY OF ART
There really is no such thing as Art. There are only artists.—E.H. Gombrich
Last month I finished reading Gombrich’s excellent Story of Art. It greatly expanded my appreciation and understanding of art; and it was amazing to witness, as it were, the grand progress of its history, which Gombrich argues is not a succession of technical mastery but of changing ideas—about reality, humanity, nature, faith, religion, history, politics, skill, craftsmanship and art itself.
{And you know my scope of history has dramatically widened, when I start to think of my beloved Vermeer as having been very modern. And that my magnanimity is similarly broadened, when I understand—though I still do not much admire—Picasso.}
I posted representative artwork and excerpts from Gombrich’s book—for each period of art history—on my art and poetry blog Wrestle with the Angel. Here is an index for your convenient perusal. If you enjoy seeing these artworks and reading the excerpts, I encourage you to acquire a copy of Gombrich’s book. It has gained a top place on my personal library wish-list.
The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian
The Reconciliation of David and Absalom
• detail from paintings in the tomb of Nebamum •
October 18, 2013