Vermeers Wager stands at the intersection of art history and criticism; philosophy and museology. Using a familiar and celebrated painting by Johannes Vermeer as a case study; Ivan Gaskell explores what it might mean to know and use a work of art. He argues that art history as generally practised; while successfully asserting certain claims to knowledge; fails to take into account aspects of the unique character of works of art. Our relationship to art is mediated; not only through reproduction ndash; particularly photography ndash; but also through displays in museums. In an analysis that ranges from seventeenth-century Holland; through mid-nineteenth-century France; to artists and curators practice today; Gaskell draws on his experience of Dutch art history; philosophy and contemporary art criticism. Anyone with an interest in Vermeer and the afterlife of his art will value this book; as will all who think seriously about the role of photography in perception and the core purposes of art museums
#1877899 in eBooks 2010-11-19 2010-11-19File Name: B00C977RYY
Review
0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Two StarsBy V. Macettireal slow read