A Manual of the Historical Development of Art

A Manual of the Historical Development of Art - Pre-Historic—Ancient—Classic—Early Christian; with Special Reference to Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, and Ornamentation

An experience of more than eight years as Lecturer on the Historical Development of Art, at the National Art Training School, South Kensington, has convinced me of the necessity for a short and concise Manual, which should serve both the public and students as a guide to the study of the history of art. In all our educational establishments, colleges, and ladies schools, the study of art-history, which ought to form one of the most important subjects of our educational system, is entirely neglected. To suggest and to excite to such a study is the aim of this book. It would be impossible to exhaust in a short volume even that section of the subject which I propose to treat, and the most that can be done is to give outlines, which must be filled in by further studies. Art is at last assuming a better position with us, thanks to the influence of the lamented Prince Consort, to whom we undoubtedly owe the revival of the culture of sciences and arts, and the indefatigableviii exertions of the Government, aided by munificent grants of Parliament. But much more is to be desired from the public. If the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science is a faithful mirror of our intellectual stand-point, we certainly have not yet attained a very high position as an artistic national body. For twenty years the Association has met and has discussed a variety of topics, and this year, for the first time, it occurred to the learned socialists that there was such a factor in humanity as art, and the congress allowed an art-section to be opened under the presidency of Mr. E.J. Poynter, R.A., the director of the National Art Training School. Four questions were proposed for discussion, and I gave anticipatory answers to these, before the congress was opened, in my introductory lecture to the students of the Art Training School. These answers will serve as so many reasons for the issue of this book, and I therefore reproduce them here, with the questions to which they refer. 1. What are the best methods of securing the improvement of Street Architecture, especially as regards its connection with public buildings? ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 44509
Author: Zerffi, G. G. (Gustavus George)
Release Date: Dec 25, 2013
Format: eBook
Language: English