Hidden Symbols in Art : The Illustrated Decoder of Symbols and Figures in Western Painting

Rating:
Summary: not what i expected
Review: i was disappointed in this book and had i had a chance to look at it first, i would not have bought it. i expected the book to explain "inside jokes" or "hidden meanings" of symbols in various paintings, perhaps point out bits in paintings i may have overlooked. it does not. the book shows a work and gives a brief description of the artist, the wrok's history, why it was painted, etc, and maybe a brief history of the subject of the painting. i am not an art major and have no formal education in art, but i didn't need this book to explain 90% of the points it made. you can learn more from a children's book on art.

Rating:
Summary: A Really Nice Book
Review: This book is well organized and shows excellent judgment in its selection of art. The works are both varied and well done and the commentary is interesting without being overwhelming. If you enjoy looking at how artists portray similar concepts in different ways, you should like this book. I take issue with the reviewer who wrote the review for Library Journal. He is correct that Hidden Symbols in Art is not a book that is directed towards an academic audience. If you are looking for over-intellectualized commentary on works depicted with mediocre-to-poor illustrations, you should stick with the books he recommends. If you are the kind of person who views art for baser reasons (e.g., enjoyment), this one would be a good addition to your collection.