What Great Paintings Say. Masterpieces in Detail (Bibliotheca Universalis)

if you're looking to learn, the paintings are covered in detail and the images are beautiful. But the book needed to be about 3-4 inches taller so the text and images can be larger because as is you need a magnifying lens. I am very happy with the book

Yes it is indeed a small book... that you can carry in your bag and take it with you everywhere, all are advantages!It is small, but it is loaded with great information!

such a cute little book! as an art history major, I can't wait to read this!

Having seen this book in a well known museum in Washington DC, I was drawn to the marvelous reproductions and information (background and foreground in a sense) about the paintings. It's like having an express tour focused on one painting, at your convenience.But the book was so heavy. How was I, should I, carry this (almost) 3 pound book with me all day. No.So given that, I took a picture of the cover and resolved to look into where I could find it later. When home once again.Yep, there on Amazon it was.If only the well known museum had free shipping, I'd have bought from them at retail--but they didn't, so neither did I.Once at home, I bought it and am delighted that I did. For people who need a book to read before sleep, but who eschew electronics--given the interference they can have upon your sleep--this is the read for you. Short, but long enough informational read--but not a full book. So you won't be up all night reading a "can't be put down" book.And no, I am NOT saying it will put you to sleep. But to say sweet dreams, is true. What better than art to dream on, with the addition of more knowledge than you started with? Having volunteered at a large museum in Chicago, this basically is like one of the "express" tours. So before bed, take a tour...and sleep well.

Great book, we’ll written, very informative and you also get a small history lesson with it. I have the book on Bosch by the same publisher and it sucks, but this book is great if you want to easily expand your art knowledge. Only drawback is the super small print.

The book is in good condition, but it is from some public library...

This book tells a lot about what information is contained in the paintings--what they show about life during their age. I really liked the painting with the washerwoman in the background and the long rap about the status of white clothing in the middle ages. the whiter you could get your cuffs and collars, the better. Folks actually sent some of their washing to Bruges, Belgium, because it had the purest water.It also talked about the evolution of soap.Why do old Dutch paintings show glasses with knobby stems?? Because people grabbed cuts of meat bare-handed and they got so greasy they wouldn't be able to hold on to their beer!!A great "social history" book.

Fascinating and well-written. The print is small, but to me that is not much of a deterrent to reading this delightful and engaging book.