SKU: 79667962226

A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer Screen

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A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer ScreenA picture, says David Hockney, is the only way that we can give an account of what we see. But all picture makers face a common problem: how to compress three dimensional people, things and places onto a flat surface? The results are often pigeonholed as paintings, photographs or films. Alternatively, they may be sorted by date and style: medieval, Renaissance or baroque. In fact, Hockney argues, whether they are made by brush, camera or digital

A picture, says David Hockney, is the only way that we can give an account of what we see. But all picture-makers face a common problem: how to compress three-dimensional people, things and places onto a flat surface? The results are often pigeonholed as paintings, photographs or films. Alternatively, they may be sorted by date and style: medieval, Renaissance or baroque. In fact, Hockney argues, whether they are made by brush, camera or digital program, and no matter if they are on cave walls or computer screens, first and foremost they are all pictures. And for us to understand how we see the world around us - and hence ourselves - what is needed is a history of pictures. This is that book.

Informed and energized by a lifetime of painting, drawing and making images with cameras, Hockney, in collaboration with the art critic Martin Gayford, explores how and why pictures have been made across the millennia. What makes marks on a flat surface interesting? How do you show movement in a still picture, and how, conversely, do films and television connect with old masters? What are the ways in which time and space can be condensed into a static image on a canvas or screen? What do pictures show - truth or lies? Do photographs present the world as we experience it?

Juxtaposing a rich variety of images - a still from a Disney cartoon with a Japanese woodblock print by Hiroshige, a scene from an Eisenstein film with a Velázquez painting - the authors cross the normal boundaries between high culture and popular entertainment, and make unexpected connections across time and media. Building on Hockney's groundbreaking book Secret Knowledge, they argue that film, photography, painting and drawing are deeply interconnected. Insightful and thought-provoking, A History of Pictures is an important contribution to our appreciation of how we represent our reality.

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SKU: 79667962226

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4.2 ★★★★★
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michelle w.
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 4
It was fine
Format: Paperback
The book had a bit more wear and tear than I expected
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2019
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Tim
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Quickly shipped!
Format: Paperback
As advertised and quickly shipped. Thank you
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Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2020
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Kathryn
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
As expected
Format: Paperback
Book arrived in acceptable condition
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
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Lauren
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 3
Great book but the pages started falling out
Format: Paperback
This book is very informative and helpful while I navigate nursing school, but after only 6 weeks of use the pages started falling out. I'm careful with the book and I don't even open it everyday but it was poorly made and the pages are not very sturdy.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2021
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Clay Werner
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
A Deep and Rich Resource on Christian Life
Format: Paperback
I've been waiting for this book for quite some time when I heard it would be coming out as part of the Dogmatics series. I really appreciate how he structures the book as God's Trinitarian actions towards us, the law-gospel distinction, and our response to Gods' love. Rich. A real treat to read, ponder, and reflect on.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2026

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