A Study in the Psychology of Pictorial Representation.
This is a classic study of image-making. It seeks to answer a simple question: why is there such a thing as style? The question may be simple but there is no easy answer, and Professor Gombrich's brilliant and wide-ranging exploration of the history and psychology of pictorial representation leads him into many important areas. He examines, questions and re-evaluates old and new ideas on the imitation of nature, the function of tradition, the problem of abstraction, the validity of perspective and the interpretation of expression.
First published more than thirty years ago, 'Art And Illusion' has lost none of its vitality and importance. In applying the findings of science to the understanding of art and in tackling complex ideas and theoretical issues, Gombrich is rigorous; yet he always retains a sense of wonder at the inexhaustible capacity of the human brain, and at the subtlety of the relationships involved in seeing the world and in making and seeing art. With deep knowledge and his exceptional gift for clear exposition, he advances arguments in a scientific spirit, as hypotheses to be tested. The problems of representation are fundamental to the history of art, and 'Art And Illusion' is a crucial text for anyone interested in understanding art.
Contains black and white illustrations.
