Seeing Through Paintings

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Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies

Andrea Kirsh and Rustin S. Levenson

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Description Reviews Awards

This prize-winning book offers the only comprehensive discussion available on materials, techniques, and condition issues in Western easel paintings from medieval times to the present.

“An essential handbook for the pro, and also a beautifully illustrated primer for the layperson. Kirsh and Levenson teach the most valuable lessons about painting of all: how meanings, material, and techniques are bound up together.”—John Walsh, former director, J. Paul Getty Museum

“Every element of Kirsh and Levenson’s book is smart, concise, and informative. . . . [It is] the essential book on its subject.”—Kenneth Baker, San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle

“A long overdue book with direct relevance for modern students of the history of art.”—Libby Sheldon, Burlington Magazine

Andrea Kirsh is an independent scholar and critic. Rustin S. Levenson is conservation director of Rustin Levenson Art Conservation Associates, New York City, and Florida Conservation Associates, Miami.

“This book is the embodiment of fruitful collaboration between a conservator and an art historian. An extremely important work.”—Joyce Hill Stoner, University of Delaware/Winterthur Museum

“Seeing Through Paintings is in every respect the work of skilled and meticulous researchers. An examination of materials, techniques, and condition in western painting from the medieval through the contemporary, this study is a fascinating and informed behind-the-scenes look at paintings as physical objects. . . . Highly recommended as an addition to any academic, art and design, or museum library.”—Louise Greene, Art Documentation

“Who would have thought the back of a great painting could be almost as interesting as the front? But so it can become when you read this book. Seeing through Paintings is a pleasure to look at and read. It is also extraordinarily informative.”—Artists and Illustrators

“This book offers a sleuth’s approach to paintings. . . . It is clearly written, accessible, attention grabbing even, broad in scope . . . all in all, a long overdue book with direct relevance for modern students of the history of art.”—Libby Sheldon, Burlington Magazine

“Kirsh and Levenson’s beautifully produced book on paintings as objects delivers much more than just a catchy title. . . . This marvelous book is a much-needed introductory handbook for nonspecialists, such as art history teachers and students, collectors, and just plain art lover.”—Choice

“If you are a collector, curator, art historian, student, or artist interested in Western paintings from the last five centuries, this book will enhance your life. . . . The book is highly readable and copiously illustrated. . . . A remarkable, comprehensive, and fascinating book worth reading and rereading. . . . It can be used fruitfully as a museum studies text book for the training of future curators and is also an excellent reference book for conservators and conservation students.”—Joyce Hill Stoner, International Foundation for Art Research

“A collaboration between an independent scholar and conservator in private practice, it explains the physical stuff of paintings better, and in fewer words, than any other book on the subject. . . . With very brief, well-illustrated case studies, Kirsh and Levenson show how an informed eye—even unaided, except by proper light—can develop a sort of X-ray vision for technical, historical and critical issues in painting. They explain well the research uses of radiography and other high-tech conservation tools, but their emphasis is on visually available evidence. . . . Every element of Kirsh and Levenson’s book is smart, concise and informative. . . . A detailed index and glossary, an annotated bibliography and a wealth of illustrations make Seeing Through Painting the essential book on its subject.”—Kenneth Baker, San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle

“Seeing Through Paintings succeeds in making the physicality of painting an unflaggingly gripping subject. . . . [It] is a rich lode of information.”—Chase Madar, The Art Book

“Seeing Through Paintings is a rich lode of information . . . . This book is also a top-notch reference source, with a valuable glossary, an appendix on historical pigment identification . . . and a comprehensive annotated bibliography.”—Chase Madar, The Art Book

“Seeing Through Paintings succeeds in making the physicality of painting an unflaggingly gripping subject. . . . Fascinating. This book is . . . a top-notch reference source.”—Chase Madar, The Art Book

“Kirsh and Levenson provide a wealth of information about how the experts look at paintings. . . . The authors take the average art lover far beyond mere superficial examination and analysis of subject matter. . . . Lavishly illustrated and lucidly-written, Seeing Through Painting will fascinate anyone with more than a passing interest in art.”—Virginia Quarterly Review

ISBN: 9780300094084
Publication Date: January 14, 2013

344 pages, 7 7/8 x 10 1/4
50 color + 217 b/w illus.

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