cover image Take a Look: An Introduction to the Experience of Art

Take a Look: An Introduction to the Experience of Art

Rosemary Davidson. Viking Children's Books, $18.99 (128pp) ISBN 978-0-670-84478-4

Any art-appreciation book that embraces a Tintin comic strip and an Indian automaton tiger eating a British soldier and shows them deference equal to that paid masterpieces by Picasso, Durer and Michelangelo is a rare find. But Davidson is a rare guide. In addition to exploring technique, style, social history and iconography of decorative as well as fine art, she addresses less obvious matters, like body language and how artists support themselves. Her astute commentary leaves plenty of room for the reader's own reactions, and the visual and emotional variety and arrangement of images is entrancing. Women--as artists, artisans and subjects--are included at every turn, as are cultural milieus ranging from the Medici court to an Afghani yurt. Its very inclusiveness makes this a formidable book, but also a vastly rewarding one. Unfortunately, the design is flat and pages seem crowded, while muddied reproductions diminish the impact of the featured works. A timeline, glossary and bibliography are included. Ages 10-up. (Jan.)