Stories of paintings

The book "History of Paintings" is based on a series of twenty-five programs broadcast on France Culture radio in the summer of 2003 under the title "History of Paintings". With his characteristic enthusiasm, courage and erudition, Daniel Arrass guides us through six centuries of the history of painting - from the invention of perspective to the disappearance of the figure. Addressing fundamental issues (perspective, the Annunciation, the role of detail, the rise and fall of anachronism, restoration and the conditions of viewing works at exhibitions), he intellectually and passionately brings to life key figures and styles: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Mannerism, Vermeer, Ingres and Manet. His analysis is constantly fueled by concrete examples, culminating in very specific aspects of contemporary art. This is how, through the subtle and open readings he offers, Daniel Arrass instills a taste for seeing and rethinking great moments in painting—surprising, awakening, and involving us in the true magic of his intellect, invariably seasoned with humor.