Aesthetics and History in the Visual Arts

by Bernard Berenson

Luis Cardoza y Aragón traduce a un también renombrado crítico y teórico del arte, que emprende aquí una descripción de los elementos que intervienen en la obra de arte, sus raíces, su historia y aquellas cualidades intrínsecas o que la hacen bella, perdurable y digna de elogio o imitación saludable.

Genres: Art, Philosophy, History

206 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1955

About the author

Bernard Berenson (born Bernhard Valvrojenski) was an American art historian specializing in the Renaissance. He was a major figure in pioneering art attribution and therefore establishing the market for paintings by the "Old Masters".

Reviews

[₵oincidental Ðandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divinely cultured & erudite, the evidence of Mr. Berenson's erudition is fully manifested in the broad-ranging scope of his knowledge of Art (& the history of Art) & aesthetics - all of it delievered engagingly in a warm narrative. Not for nothing - & not without credible reason - was Mr. Berenson's reputation for connoisseurship & taste so justly merited.

But a friendly tip to the potential reader of this work: this is one of those books that needs to be read at quiet times & with as clear a mind as possible to better absorb the author's (rich) theories & view-points. It is educational.

[Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic that never goes out of style.. I still pull it from time to time to contemplate the state of cultural and art affairs.

[B K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the finest books written on the evolution of Western art. Berenson teaches us why and how the Greeks laid the basis of our aesthetic canons. He is astoundingly erudite. This is a small book but the material it sheds light on it vast. Other authors would have spread such wealth of material into volumes but BB presents us with his intense and profound observation in this little, jem of a book. Enjoyed every line.

[Thorlakur · Rating 3 out of 5]

A refreshing read from a highly Eurocentric art historian.