Bestiary: Animals in Art from the Ice Age to Our Age

The book "Bestiary" is a visual exploration of animals depicted on ritual objects and works of art, featuring famous artworks and lesser-known treasures from different civilizations. It is organized thematically into five chapters, with art historian Christopher Masters as a guide, illuminating familiar masterpieces and bringing lesser-known treasures to light.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2018
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Bestiary is a captivating visual journey that delves into the depiction of animals across a wide range of mediums, including ritual objects, works of art, and famous masterpieces. It explores both real and surreal creatures, offering a fresh perspective and stimulating comparisons to ignite the imagination. Art historian Christopher Masters serves as a knowledgeable guide, illuminating familiar artworks and introducing lesser-known treasures. The book is organized thematically into five chapters, presenting animals in intelligent pairings and groupings that encourage the reader to discover the cultural context and connections between various civilizations.

Within these chapters, ancient Egyptian bronze statues of divine cats sit alongside 19th-century prints of English domestic felines in blissful repose. Miniature Ice Age mammoths stand before ancient engraved drawings of horses, while the royal lion hunt unfolds across the walls of Ashurbanipals palace in Assyrian Nineveh. Minoan acrobats leap onto the backs of 3,500-year-old bulls, and Roman marble sculptures bring the Persian legend of Mithras and the Bull to vivid life.

Bestiary showcases a remarkable fusion of art and culture, showcasing the intricate relationships between different civilizations and their animal representations. Through its visually stunning presentation and informative commentary, the book offers a deep appreciation for the artistic and symbolic significance of animals in human history. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone curious about the world around us, Bestiary is a must-read that will transport you to a realm where animals come to life in extraordinary ways.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 181 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500480236