Full Description
Homo sapiens are defined by wisdom, symbolic thought and tool making: these attributes are a prerequisite for, and embodied in, the development and use of the artists' brush. Indeed, the brush is emblematic of H. sapiens' ability to create representational art, write and to communicate.
This unique book, for the first time, examines the evolution and importance of the artists' brush over time and geography. Extensively researched and referenced, it details the development and use of the brush from deep history to modern day, placing the brush in the context of the cultures in which it was used. Richly illustrated it describes works on rock, walls (murals and frescoes), ceramics, textiles, panels (stone, wood), codices, calligraphic manuscripts and other peinture d'objets [painted objects].
The history of art is re-told placing the brush at its centre - a tool, which in the hand of an artist, is responsible for some of the greatest and defining insignia of mankind. This book sheds light on historic artistic practices in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas that are frequently overlooked and under reported in academic literature. Bayliss Brown's scholarship is commendable and the chapters on brush anatomy, physics and mark making are essential reading for any artist or historian.
The Artists' Brush is a masterpiece and deserves to be in every school, university and bookcase of any serious artist - it is surprising that it has never been written before.
Contents
Forewords; Preface; Format & List Of Abbreviations; Chapter 1 Scope & Approach; World History; Chapter 2 Deep History; Chapter 3 Dawn Of Symbolic Art; Chapter 4 Neolithic Afro-Eurasia; Chapter 5 Africa; Chapter 6 Ancient Egypt; Chapter 7 Classical World ; Chapter 8 Late Antiquity & Early Medieval Europe ; Chapter 9 European Renaisance & The Early Modern Era ; Chapter 10 European Late Modern Period; Chapter 11 Iran & Arabia; Chapter 12 India; Chapter 13 China; Chapter 14 Korea; Chapter 15 Japan; Chapter 16 The Americas; Chapter 17 Oceania; Theory & Practice; Chapter 18 Brush Anatomy & Construction; Chapter 19 Brush Physics; Chapter 20 Mark Making; Index
