Excerpt from The Meaning of Art, Its Nature, Role, and Value My dear Friend, - You embarrass me greatly by asking me to write a preface for your new book. The subject is one that I find highly interesting as long as it is a question merely of reading about it, or of discussing it; but one that appals me when it becomes a question of coming to a conclusion and actually writing it down. My incompetence is, naturally, the first reason for this; but the "fluidity" of such concepts as beauty, aesthetic emotion, art, creation, ideal, impression, nature, style, life, expression, originality, and harmony, also makes these studies, in my opinion, as delicate as they are enchanting. Whether it will ever be possible to reduce these fleeting things to the laws of positive science, I do not know; but until then it is certainly allowable to approach them with one's whole nature - judgment, taste, feeling, intuition and reason, spirit of finesse and spirit of deduction. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1913 Edition.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Excerpt from The Nature and Function of Art, More Especially of Architecture That an artist who recreates nature must be capable of emotions cannot be doubted or denied, but it is equally true, that during the process of recreation in art the artist must be the master and not the victim of the emotions he delineates. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art was written by art historian Albert Edward Elsen. This work delves into the visual arts such as painting, drawing and sculpting. In Purposes of Art the author has opted not to simplify the discussion in order to attract a larger audience. Rather, Elsen's work is intended for those with a keen interest in art history and who thus have a base of knowledge in the subject matter. The book is not organized chronologically, as many books of art history are, but rather thematically. Each theme contains an examination of a number of different works, often from very different time periods. Examples of themes discussed include images of Gods, heaven and earth in fifteenth-century Italian art, images of authority, nature, and many more. Some chapters are narrower in their focus, including several detailing the work of a single artist, such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Black and white photos are reproduced as part of the text, and have generally maintained a reasonable level of quality. Albert Edward Elsen is a knowledgeable and passionate art historian, and this work demonstrates the depth of his expertise. The writing is concise yet illuminating. The thematic approach to the subject matter is appropriate and makes this an eminently readable volume. Purposes of Art: An Introduction to the History and Appreciation of Art is a well crafted overview of art history. Elsen's work does not break new ground, however it is an accomplished treatise of the subject matter. Readers interested in the appreciation of art will certainly find this book to be a worthwhile addition to their library. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

An intellectual history of contrasting ideas around the power of the arts to bring about personal and societal change - for better and worse. A fascinating account of the value and functions of the arts in society, in both the private sphere of individual emotions and self-development and public sphere of politics and social distinction.

Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning offers a deep insight and comprehension of the world of Art. Contents: What is Art? The Structure of Art Significance of Materials Used in Art Describing Art - Formal Analysis, Types, and Styles of Art Meaning in Art - Socio-Cultural Contexts, Symbolism, and Iconography Connecting Art to Our Lives Form in Architecture Art and Identity Art and Power Art and Ritual Life - Symbolism of Space and Ritual Objects, Mortality, and Immortality Art and Ethics