the history of art (Phaidon, 2008) by Ernst H. Gombrich is undoubtedly a top work. Since its first publication in 1950, it has become a benchmark for artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture or architecture. A compendium of knowledge throughout the centuries and an essential reference book for people who study Art History or Fine Arts due to its accessible and enjoyable method.
This book is remarkable for the contributions it has made, but also for the way it conveys the development of art in each century. Although criticized by some for having a certain narrative character, the truth is that with him, the historian knew how to compile artistic movements from Prehistory to the first half of the XNUMXth century in a way suitable for all audiences. This is how Gombrich told us a story from the history of art.
The history of art: how Gombrich told us a story
An art story for everyone
the history of art de Gombrich is a widely published manual that is very popular among neophytes and students.. However, he also attracts and is a companion to the most knowledgeable groups in art. In any case, it can be considered a work of initiation, because it is a compendium of the most important artistic stages of all time. A job that can become overwhelming or unintelligible if you don't know how to carry it out with flexible meticulousness and coherence.
Evidently the history of art It is not a narrative as such, but su style gives it clarity and a naturalness that makes it easy to understand. Gombrich is a scholar who knows how to transmit his passion for art to all generations. That has made it a very special book, highly requested and an essential on the subject. There is no doubt that Gombrich has communicated the history of art like nobody else. And after more than seventy years it is still the most popular book on this subject. Therefore, In addition to constituting a path of knowledge and learning, it is a total enjoyment reading. That is why it is compared to a narrative, which has earned it some criticism as well. But we must not forget that this work is an initiatory (and charming) explanation that continues to be chosen many decades after its first publication.
History or history?
the history of art It has been translated into different languages with a worldwide diffusion that has made it one of the best-selling art books. We have already commented on one of the reasons: it is a fairly complete informative text that is easy to read. we quite, what stands out in Gombrich's work is the communicative domain of the author, as well as the narrative nature of the text. It is not limited to describing the history of art or collecting data and movements that lead us to fatigue.
Gombrich tells the facets of the works, talks about the authors in their context, explains the transformation of art, showing how much he knows about the subject and knowing how to break down all that information. Thus It is an extraordinary history of art, which transcends its mission, and which seems not to lose its rigor or charm with the passage of time.. Gombrich's talent together with the enthusiasm of his work make this book one of the best narratives in the history of art. He selects without losing sight of the essential and also uses anecdotes and knows how to relate some concepts to others in a surprising way.
Conclusions
the history of art de Gombrich is one of the best-selling and consulted books on the historical study of artistic disciplines. But it's much more than that, because the author does not describe, he tells a story and selects what is important, at the same time that he establishes relationships that only someone like him would be able to achieve. It is a very well cohesive book, although it prioritizes painting over other artistic representations. At the same time, the work exalts the contextualization of the works and their authors, which highlights the narrative and explanatory work of the text. A charming piece of history. Gombrich shows that in addition to being a historian, he is an outstanding writer.
About the Author
Ernst Gombrich was a British historian born in Vienna in 1909.. In 1936, due to Nazi influence, he went to London and he was director of the Warburg Institute in London until 1976. He was also a professor at the University of London, which includes the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge. Also during her teaching career, she taught classes both in other European capitals and in the United States.
Gombrich was an eminence in the historiography of art. The country that welcomed him honored him with the title of Sir and the Order of Merit of the British Empire. Also got the goethe prize from Germany. In addition, he was a member of prestigious academies, among which are the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the British Academy or the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He died at the age of 92 in London in 2001..