The Claude Glass: Use and Meaning of the Black Mirror in Western Art

by Arnaud Maillet, Jeff Fort (Translator)

In this first full-length study of a largely forgotten optical device from the eighteenth century, Arnaud Maillet reconfigures our historical understanding of visual experience and meaning in relation to notions of opacity, transparency, and imagination. Many are familiar with the Claude glass as a small black convex mirror used by artists and spectators of landscape to reflect a view and make tonal values and areas of light and shade visible.

In a groundbreaking account, Maillet goes well beyond this particular function of the glass and situates it within a richer archaeology of Western thought, exploring the uncertainties and anxieties about mirrors, reflections, and their potential distortions. He takes us from the magical and occult background of the “black mirror,” through a full evaluation of its importance in the age of the picturesque, to its persistence in a range of technological and representational practices, including photography, film, and contemporary art. The Claude Glass is a lasting contribution to the history of Western visual culture.

312 pages, Hardcover

First published November 16, 2004

Reviews

[Daniel]

A book not only for the artist but for the mystic as well. Contains one of the best discussions of Dee's famous mirror. Did you know he owned two? What are you, a fucking HYLIC????

After weeks of fruitless antique hunting and experimentation, I've realized reflective sunglasses are the obvious substitute: possibly ideal. They're everywhere and come with convenient handles. For the purpose of scene viewing it doesn't matter if they're cheap.

[grace saint]

finished this a while ago and forgot to add it on here ty ellen for lending it to me got some juicy bits out of it

[Charlotte]

The first half of this book was interesting, especially when it touched on history & invention as well as early use. The rest of it was a slog, and largely felt padded--contrived, even. I still might buy this book for the first parts.

Very good bibliographic notes, actually added to the text's value in many cases.

[Brian]

Important topic. Sloppily handled. Not a unified study by any stretch but just a loose amalgam of anecdotes and observations.

MIT let me down here. Which is very rare for them.