The Museum Companion: Understanding Western Art

Book Description
"Every picture tells a story"--but for many of us the subjects and themes of the great paintings of Western art are something of a mystery. The Museum Companion unravels the legends and symbolism behind many of the most popular and frequently painted figures. What is in Pandora's box? What are the Greek and Roman names for the ancient gods? Why does St. Catherine have a wheel by her side, and St. Jerome a lion? Beautifully illustrated with works by great artists, and containing descriptions of over 150 figures, The Museum Companion includes a Classical section that details the characters from the myths and histories of ancient Greece and Rome, and a Biblical and Religious section that describes figures from the Old and New Testaments as well as later saints. This handy, affordable, pocket-sized book will be indispensable to all those seeking to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of Western art.

About the Author
Marcus Lodwick has an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Oxford University. A former researcher for Britain's National Trust, he now works for the Cambridge University Department of Education and leads archaeological tours to the ancient sites of the Greek and Roman world.


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A guide to the Biblical and Classical subjects of the great masterpieces of Western art from Achilles to Zephyr, from Abraham to Zacharias, The Museum Companion provides a complete background to the Classical and Biblical knowledge necessary for a fuller appreciation of the paintings. The book is lavishly illustrated in full color, and each entry is accompanied by a representative example of a work of art in which the character appears. The identification of key symbols and attributes of many of the best-loved paintings in Western art, cross-references, and a clear, easy-to-use layout ensure that this book is both comprehensive and practical, invaluable on gallery or museum visits, but also fascinating to read at home.


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