The Brilliant History of Color in Art
Product ID: 8439701
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An irresistible look at the gorgeous colors that comprise the artist's palette. The history of art is inseparable from the history of color. And what a fascinating story they tell together: one that brims with an all-star cast of characters, eye-opening details, and unexpected detours through the annals of human civilization and scientific discovery. Enter critically acclaimed writer and popular journalist Victoria Finlay, who here takes readers across the globe and over the centuries on an unforgettable tour through the brilliant history of color in art. Written for newcomers to the subject and aspiring young artists alike, Finlayโs quest to uncover the origins and science of color will beguile readers of all ages with its warm and conversational style. Her rich narrative is illustrated in full color throughout with 166 major works of artโmost from the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Readers of this book will revel in a treasure trove of fun-filled facts and anecdotes. Were it not for Cleopatra, for instance, purple might not have become the royal color of the Western world. Without Napoleon, the black graphite pencil might never have found its way into the hands of Cรฉzanne. Without mango-eating cows, the sunsets of Turner might have lost their shimmering glow. And were it not for the pigment cobalt blue, the halls of museums worldwide might still be filled with forged Vermeers. Red ocher, green earth, Indian yellow, lead whiteโno pigment from the artistโs broad and diverse palette escapes Finlayโs shrewd eye in this breathtaking exploration. Review: Itโs entertaining and informative with pretty pictures too! - This is an entertaining history of pigments used in art and beyond. Who knew that his wallpaper might have lead to Napoleonโs demise! Who knew that the color red impacted the economy of Tlaxcala in the mid 1660s? Learn how the color violet impacted Monetโs art. Easy to read and entertaining, it was a fun and informative read. Review: Wow if volor - Very informative in colors & their origination.
| Best Sellers Rank | #190,014 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #55 in Children's Art History #223 in Graphic Design Color Use #691 in Art History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 314 Reviews |
A**R
Itโs entertaining and informative with pretty pictures too!
This is an entertaining history of pigments used in art and beyond. Who knew that his wallpaper might have lead to Napoleonโs demise! Who knew that the color red impacted the economy of Tlaxcala in the mid 1660s? Learn how the color violet impacted Monetโs art. Easy to read and entertaining, it was a fun and informative read.
J**T
Wow if volor
Very informative in colors & their origination.
M**A
An Excellent Compliment to Victoria Finlay's "Colour: A Natural History of the Pallet"
I have read some unflattering reviews of this book by Victoria Finlay but was undeterred after reading her great book "Colour: A Natural History of the Palette". "The Brilliant History of Color" is more of a complement to Ms Finlay's other book. It tells her researched interesting history in short stories that she had uncovered in her travels. Not nearly as detailed as "Colour", it has something the other did not. It is richly illustrated with paintings and photographs that help tell a visual story of the origins of dyes and pigments used by artist and artisans throughout human history. Together these books are very educational, and in some ways, exciting. I read every night, usually a novel or mystery and save my educational reading for daytime. With Ms Finlay's books I have a great read for my brain to digest as I sleep. I have given copies of paperback versions of "Colour" to artist friends but will be keeping this hardcover illustrated book in my studio for inspiration. I will be advising my art groups to acquire a copy of both books in their libraries though.
B**M
To "See" Color Differently
I've become addicted to books written by Victoria Finlay. She writes in such a lyrical way about color that it honestly makes you "see" the world differently. Today, color blazes out everywhere in screamingly brilliant shades. But long ago, the quest for color was difficult and in many cases dangerous. For instance, reading and learning about the process of Indigo is stunning and horrific- a shade of blue that is so taken for granted. I can't stress enough how interesting and fascinating this topic is and how well written Ms. Finlay's books are. Well worth the read!
T**R
Fantastic
This is eye candy and an education all at the same time. The book is gorgeous, and the prose is succinct with never a dull moment: in addition to the main text, fact boxes at the side give interesting details about etymology, origins, and fun trivia, such as the colour George Washington wanted for his dining room wallpaper. It's a book to savour at leisure, and I highly recommend it to anyone fascinated by colour through the ages in fashion and art.
C**A
History and Art Buffs Will Love
I didn't realize this was going to be a history book, literally! It's an interesting read, as it gives so much information about pigment and origination of each color. For example, I loved a story about a painting that was being sold as an old masterwork (1400's), but the forensics done on the paint pigment uncovered that the particular pigment wasn't even in existence during the time in which they were claiming the painting was done!
S**S
A Most Delicious Book
This is a great book to own and enjoy. Itโs one of those books that is delightful to hold in your hands and enjoy with your eyes. The colors are amazing. And the explanation of how these colors came about is fascinating. I will never part with this book because it is one that I will look at again and again.
C**T
Would make a nice gift or set out on a coffee table -not for study
This book would make a nice gift for someone who is interested in color or for basic introduction. I expected more information and found myself disappointed with the book. The design is colorful and more set up for a coffee table book and a quick read. The art chosen is beautiful but it just isn't was I was after. It will be placed in a guest room. I think my guest would find a few facts interesting and enjoy the art.
S**A
beautiful book
very good book...
L**A
Historias e imagenes hermosas
un libro para leer, hojear y disfrutar en cualquier momento. Interesante y didactico
L**N
Great read. I have read both of her books ...
Great read. I have read both of her books on pigments and loved them both. She is not only a very good writer, but also a very brave lady. The book does not cover all pigments nor give all the information available but the infrmation she does include is presented in a very interesting way.
Y**T
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L**0
Three Stars
I was happy with my purchase but surprised that an expensive book came without a dust jacket ?
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