Purposes of Art
An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art (Classic Reprint)
📘 About This Book
Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art was written by art historian Albert Edward Elsen. This work delves into the visual arts such as painting, drawing and sculpting. In Purposes of Art the author has opted not to simplify the discussion in order to attract a larger audience. Rather, Elsen's work is intended for those with a keen interest in art history and who thus have a base of knowledge in the subject matter. The book is not organized chronologically, as many books of art history are, but rather thematically. Each theme contains an examination of a number of different works, often from very different time periods. Examples of themes discussed include images of Gods, heaven and earth in fifteenth-century Italian art, images of authority, nature, and many more. Some chapters are narrower in their focus, including several detailing the work of a single artist, such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Black and white photos are reproduced as part of the text, and have generally maintained a reasonable level of quality. Albert Edward Elsen is a knowledgeable and passionate art historian, and this work demonstrates the depth of his expertise. The writing is concise yet illuminating. The thematic approach to the subject matter is appropriate and makes this an eminently readable volume. Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art is a well crafted overview of art history. Elsen's work does not break new ground, however it is an accomplished treatise of the subject matter. Readers interested in the appreciation of art will certainly find this book to be a worthwhile addition to their library. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
📖 Summary
Albert Edward Elsen's Purposes of Art stands as a substantial and comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of visual culture, spanning an impressive 524 pages of rigorous scholarship. Rather than treating art history as a mere timeline of memorizable dates and stylistic shifts, Elsen approaches his subject through a thematic lens. This thematic organization allows the book to juxtapose disparate eras and movements, examining how different human societies across time have grappled with common visual challenges and conceptual motifs. Through this method, readers are invited to see the underlying connections between artworks that might otherwise appear isolated by history and geography. The text dives deeply into traditional visual mediums, providing detailed analyses of painting, drawing, and sculpting. Rather than watering down complex concepts to maximize mass-market appeal, Elsen maintains a sophisticated and uncompromising tone. He deliberately writes for an audience possessing a keen interest in art history and a foundational knowledge of the subject matter, refusing to dilute his insights for the sake of casual readers. This commitment to intellectual depth makes the volume a rewarding challenge for dedicated learners and students alike. Throughout the chapters, Elsen explores major thematic areas such as representations of authority, the depiction of nature, the portrayal of the human form, and spiritual expressions including images of gods, heaven, and earth. For example, when exploring fifteenth-century Italian art alongside works from other periods, the author reveals the varied motivations and cultural imperatives that drove artists to create. By focusing heavily on the purposes behind artistic creation, Elsen shifts the reader's perspective from passive observation to active critical engagement. The book encourages a profound appreciation for the intentionality of creators, emphasizing that art is fundamentally a purposeful human endeavor shaped by cultural, political, and spiritual contexts. As a timeless resource republished for modern readers, this 2017 edition preserves Elsen's influential pedagogical framework, ensuring that his rigorous standards continue to challenge and inspire new generations of art enthusiasts willing to invest the effort required to master the material.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers deep and uncompromising academic analysis of visual arts
Engaging thematic approach connects artworks from different time periods
Covers core visual mediums like painting, drawing, and sculpting in detail
Encourages critical thinking and a high level of art appreciation
⚠️ Cons
May be too complex and challenging for absolute beginners
Lacks a traditional chronological overview which some readers might prefer
❓ FAQ
Who wrote Purposes of Art? +
The book was written by renowned art historian Albert Edward Elsen.
Is this book written for beginners? +
No, the author chose not to simplify the discussion, meaning the book is intended for those with a base of knowledge in art history.
How is the book organized? +
The book is organized thematically rather than chronologically, examining various works across different time periods.
What specific art mediums are covered in the book? +
The work primarily delves into visual arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpting.
What kinds of themes are discussed in the text? +
Themes include images of gods, heaven and earth in fifteenth-century Italian art, as well as images of authority, nature, and man.
