Clues to the meaning of the masterpieces of art history lie in a rich system of symbols, themes and motifs that often elude the modern eye. Without the intimate knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology, folklore and Christian theology so vivid in the minds of the artists and familiar to their public, we often miss the visual metaphors and other hints that gave contemporary meaning to a painting. Patrick de Rynck's volume draws out our attention to the significant imagery and apparently inconsequential details in paintings by Giotto, Botticelli, El Greco, Michelangelo, Rubens, Vermeer, Hogarth, Gainsborough and many more. Brief yet illuminating explanations accompany over 900 colour illustrations, providing the means to interpret and enjoy these and other canonical works. The perfect museum companion for art lovers everywhere, How to Read a Painting reveals the Old Masters in a new and richer light.
