From the earliest days of human creativity, fellow humans have sought to find deeper meanings in physical representations of life. Whether in ancient caves or modern galleries, millions each year stand close to art and try to see something new.
For those in need of practice or who simply wish to appreciate pieces they may think they may not have encountered or even those they think they know well, Claire d’Harcourt has jut released a worthy follow-up to her 2016 tome Masterpieces Up Closethat expands the breath of her breath-taking art collection while focusing on the details many may miss.
From Egyptian papyrus and Byzantine mosaic, through Aztec manuscript and Flemish tapestry, to the gallery-in-a-frame by David Teniers the Younger and the expression of war on canvas by Picasso, these 23 hand-picked pieces take readers on an international exploration of art history while introducing them to the people and ideas behind each work. Each large-format two-page spread is also framed by details from the piece that viewers are encouraged to find, adding an engaging element that makes the exploration all the more rewarding. At books end, lift-the-flap features reveal the location of the hidden-in-plain-sight pieces and offer more information as well. It is a beautiful book for the art fan and the hidden pictures enthusiast (many of whom may be the same people!).
