An Introduction to Art

by Charles Harrison

This original and inspiring book offers clear and wide-ranging introduction to the arts of painting and sculpture, to the principal artistic print media, and to the visual arts of modernism and post-modernism. Covering the entire history of art, from Paleolithic cave painting to contemporary art, it provides foundational guidance to the basic character and techniques of the different art forms, to the various genres of painting in the western tradition, and to the techniques of sculpture as they have been practiced over several millennia and across a wide range of cultures. Throughout the book, Harrison discusses the relative priorities of aesthetic appreciation and historical inquiry, and of the importance of combining the two approaches. Written in a style that is at once graceful, engaging, and personal, as well as analytical and exact, this illuminating book offers an impassioned and timely defense of the importance and value of the first-hand encounter with works of art, whether in museums or in their original locations.

Designed to be useful and attractive to students and teachers of art, art history, and aesthetics, the book will appeal also to the interested general reader and to those visitors to museums and exhibitions who welcome guidance to the objects on display, and to the means of gaining the maximum pleasure and instruction from them.  The 250 color illustrations, each with generous, informative captions, include both well-known works and a host of less familiar examples from different cultures and periods.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction, Art Design

335 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Charles Townsend Harrison, BA Hons (Cantab), MA (Cantab), PhD (London) was a prominent UK art historian who taught Art History for many years and was Emeritus Professor of History and Theory of Art at the Open University.

He was tutor in Art History, Open University, 1977-2005, Reader in Art History 1985-1994, Professor of the History & Theory of Art, 1994-2008, Professor Emeritus, 2008-2009; Visiting Professor, University of Chicago 1991 and 1996, Visiting Professor, University of Texas, 1997.

Reviews

[Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fair and very generous 'introduction to art', indeed, covering everything from the most technical aspects of printmaking of various kinds, to suggestions on how to approach an art work (painting/sculpture), dipping from time to time into the governing consideration: how to value an art work, and how to make an artistic experience meaningful. Harrison does not lean towards a single aesthetic theory, nor prescribe his own leanings. Rather, he is more interested in bringing out the value of a work than a theory. The reader is made to feel him as an amicable and very knowledgeable guide, one who holds the hand of the nervous amateur, leads them through the galleries of the world, pausing occasionally to explain difficult terms in good stead. The sections are divided usefully into painting and sculpture respectively, with sub-sections detailing the unique working process, history, and tips on how to make looking at a certain art work most fulfilling. Page after page flows with erudition and slight humour, and one is humbly taught by his passion and respect for art. Above all, his infectious enthusiasm make this book a non-threatening, friendly guide for the earnest art museum goer who desires something more than the second-long hovering glimpse: to meet art, and come to know art.

[Jeroen Van de Crommenacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a decent introduction and has some great insights at the start. I found the sections on sculpture and objects in transition less convincing though.

[Antoine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uneven. A decent introduction to the field, to the field of art, but uneven. Just really a bit unengaging in places, to be frank, a little bit unengaging in places. yeah

[Marion]

p.100