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World of Art
Hindu Art and Architecture (World of Art) by George Michell
The art of Hinduism constitutes one of the world's great traditions, as alive today as when the first images of Hindu gods were fashioned out of stone more than two thousand years ago. George Michell's invaluable survey looks at the entire period, covering shrines consecrated to Hindu cults as well as works of art that portray Hindu divinities, semidivine personalities, and mythological narratives. Michell outlines the development of Hinduism and the principal iconic forms of its pantheon (the symbolic basis for Hindu religious architecture), and explains the system of royal patronage that led to the construction of so many temples and the commissioning of their attendant works of art. Then, in a broad chronological sweep, he demonstrates artistic continuities down to the present day in the different regions of the country, confirming the vibrancy of the visual world of Hinduism. The illustrations include Mamallapuram and other great temples, profound and beautiful works of sculpture such as Shiva dancing the eternal dance of creation and destruction, and exquisite paintings of the loves of Krishna. 185 illustrations, 100 in color.
Paperback Bunko
First published October 1, 2000
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About the author
George Michell
81 books18 followersGeorge Michell is a world authority on South Asian architecture, and a founder-trustee of the Deccan Heritage Foundation. He is amongst the most distinguished architectural scholars produced by the University of Melbourne.
He was born in Australia and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from this university in 1968. He then turned his attention to India and obtained his PhD in 1974 from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, for his dissertation on Early Chalukya temple architecture. In 1976 he played a pivotal role in the ‘Arts of Islam’ exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London. During the 1970s he directed courses on Asian architecture at the Architectural Association, London, as well as coediting Art and Archaeology Research Papers (AARP), a journal specialising in architecture and art of the Islamic and Indian worlds. In 1978 he edited Architecture of the Islamic World: its History and Social Meaning (republished in 1995).
George lives in London with his partner and splits his time between research trips to the Deccan and writing about its ancient architecture, at home.
He was born in Australia and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from this university in 1968. He then turned his attention to India and obtained his PhD in 1974 from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, for his dissertation on Early Chalukya temple architecture. In 1976 he played a pivotal role in the ‘Arts of Islam’ exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London. During the 1970s he directed courses on Asian architecture at the Architectural Association, London, as well as coediting Art and Archaeology Research Papers (AARP), a journal specialising in architecture and art of the Islamic and Indian worlds. In 1978 he edited Architecture of the Islamic World: its History and Social Meaning (republished in 1995).
George lives in London with his partner and splits his time between research trips to the Deccan and writing about its ancient architecture, at home.
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September 21, 2023
This is a small paperback book. It will fit in your bag or pocket if you wish to carry it. I leave it at home to preserve its condition. Printed on durable slick paper, it has many excellent images of art and architecture created inside the culture of India.
George Michell is a favorite of mine. Architect by education who was originally from Australia, he wrote many books in collaboration with Indian photographers. The style is dry, due to his focus on monuments. The history is present, yet relegated to the background.
This is a great purchase, available in the west for a few dollars. Michell focused on India since the 1970’s. He has been entrusted as a guardian of the UNESCO sites near Badami. Recently I visited the South Indian sites and experienced his excitement.
George Michell is a favorite of mine. Architect by education who was originally from Australia, he wrote many books in collaboration with Indian photographers. The style is dry, due to his focus on monuments. The history is present, yet relegated to the background.
This is a great purchase, available in the west for a few dollars. Michell focused on India since the 1970’s. He has been entrusted as a guardian of the UNESCO sites near Badami. Recently I visited the South Indian sites and experienced his excitement.
Displaying 1 of 1 review