Product: Book ISBN-10: 0-300-10615-7 ISBN-13: 9780300106152 Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art Country: Year: July 11, 2004 Edition: 3 Size: 24.89 x 30.99 x 3.05cm Number of pages: 320 Weight: 1,973gr Binding: Hardcover
Product Description Housing one of the finest and most comprehensive collections in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a living encyclopedia of art. Cultures spanning the globe and dating from the ancient world to the present are represented in this beautifully illustrated book, which features over 250 masterpieces from the Museum’s collection.
The objects are arranged in chronological order by culture, beginning with ancient Egypt and ending with the twentieth century in Europe and America. Insightful text opens each section and provides historical and cultural background, while in-depth commentary accompanies each featured work.
Philippe de Montebello is director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
reviews
Aysegul Gungor
It is a very good book for those who do not have the opportunity to visit the museums abroad. I liked it very much. It is also useful for Art classes. I used it in my art homework and I have received a high mark.
Aysegul (12 years)
Found it disappointing
I found this book (the 1993 edition) very disappointing. At least half the book, and perhaps two thirds, is devoted to bronze, sculpture, pottery, and assorted other works rather than paintings. Since I was hoping for a book devoted to paintings, and could care less for these other works, I don't find it worth the $7 I spent on a very good used copy.
The illustations presented in it are of good quality though so if your interest extends beyond paintings then you may find it worth considerably more than I.
The Best of the Met
Okay, not everybody's favorite artwork from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is in here, but they have plenty of other books that cater to more specific tastes. This book includes an excellent sampling of one of the world's best art museums. You get images from artists like David, Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Vermeer, Eakins, Velasquez, Picasso, Rodin, and more. My personal favorite in the book is »Madame X« by John Singer Sargent.
I picked up this book at the Met's gift shop as a souvenier, and I'm very pleased with it. If you've been to the Metropolitan Museum, this book provides a good reminder of what you've seen. If you've never been, this book will show you what you're missing.
The best without being there
As an amateur art conoisseur, and art student currently in study, I find this book to be a marvel. The photos of the artwork are fantastic. Nowhere have I been able to find photos and information on many of the permanent collection pieces that are captured in this book. Small captions are descriptive and informative, but the photos are the focus. It's the best one could possibly get without being there.
The Best Collection of Art
The presentation starts from the earliest artifacts known to man, and continues all the way to the twentieth century. It covers all cultures, continents and civilizations. The types of artwork include paintings, sketches, sculpture, pottery, archeological remnants, and every imaginable medium. It is comprehensive but not too exhaustive. Basically, it has a little bit of everything, and it is my favorite collection of artwork.