What Makes a Masterpiece?: Encounters with Great Works of Art

Product Description In this exploration of the idea of the masterpiece, over fifty world masterpieces, from cave paintings to C�zanne, are brought to life by internationally acclaimed writers, scholars and artists.Many of the contributors are celebrated artists in their own right (Antony Gormley, Quentin Blake and Tom Phillips); others are popular writers (Philip Pullman, Germaine Greer); and many hold positions at well-known institutions, including the Prado, the Van Gogh Museum, the Louvre, the National Gallery and the Sapienza University. Each masterwork is illustrated in full, and key details are selected and separately illustrated, alongside illuminating comparatives. Table of Contents Contents include: Avigdor Arikha on Las Meninas, by Vel�zquez • Quentin Blake on The Crucifixion, by Tintoretto • Mary Beard on The Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii • Anthony Caro on Isis, Messenger of the Gods, by Rodin • Antony Gormley on the reclining Buddha of Polonnaruwa • Germaine Greer on Judith Slaying Holofernes, by Gentileschi • Martin Kemp on the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo • John Julius Norwich on the Cefal� mosaics • Grayson Perry on The Garden of Earthly Delights, by Bosch • Tom Phillips on the Mycerinus Triad • Philip Pullman on A Bar at the Folies-Berg�re, by Manet • Pierre Rosenberg on The Phocion Paintings, by Poussin • David J. Roxburgh on The Court of Gayumars, by Sultan Muhammad and Marina Warner on The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, by Bernini. Review 'A lively, accessible and informative read' --RA Magazine 'A terrific collection and a blisteringly concise history of more than 2,000 years of art' --The Irish Times ''Intriguing ... makes for a fresh, varied way of looking at familiar artworks' --V&A Magazine 'An art book that really sets you thinking ... a feast of an anthology' --The Spectator 'Illuminating ... intelligent and lucid, it is also beautifully illustrated' --i 'Intelligent, lucid, intimate, the book is also beautifully illustrated' --The Independent 'Brilliantly edited ... worth buying for the introduction alone' --Decanter 'Lively ... Dell himself writes with infectious pleasure' --The Times Literary Supplement 'Thought-provoking ... the breadth of work considered is impressive and the essays are informative and inspiring ... a passionate introduction to the world of great art' --Metro 'Attractive and lavishly illustrated ... a wonderful insight into the creative process' --Good Book Guide From the Back Cover ?In this exploration of the idea of the masterpiece, over fifty world masterpieces, from cave paintings to C�zanne, are brought to life by internationally acclaimed writers, scholars and artists.Many of the contributors are celebrated artists in their own right (Antony Gormley, Quentin Blake and Tom Phillips) About the Author Christopher Dell holds a degree in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute, London. He has written and edited many bestselling titles on art and visual culture, including Freemasonry, Mythology, Monsters, What Makes a Masterpiece? and The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic, all published by Thames & Hudson.