Look Again: How to Experience the Old Masters

Look Again is a book that shows how the art of the past can be relevant and accessible to contemporary viewers by breaking down the strategies of the Old Masters into intuitive categories and emphasizing ways of experiencing them. It is influenced by John Berger's Ways of Seeing and offers a new formula to help illuminate this kind of art, assuming that viewers hold some of this knowledge within themselves already.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The art of the past can seem like a distant and enigmatic realm, shrouded in both the passage of time and intricate academic theories. However, Look Again offers a fresh perspective that challenges this notion. By foregrounding the experience of the contemporary viewer, the book demonstrates how the art of the past can be accessible and engaging. Ossian Ward's simple yet effective ten-step program serves as a guide to looking, dissecting the often enigmatic strategies employed by the Old Masters into intuitive categories such as Art as Honesty and Art as Vision.

Look Again's innovative approach draws inspiration from John Berger's seminal work, Ways of Seeing, but it has been updated to resonate with the contemporary art world. At its core, this book emphasizes the ways in which we can experience the Old Masters, surpassing mere visual observation. Just as contemporary art is evaluated for its ability to move, captivate, and envelop us, so too can the great paintings of the world be regarded as immersive, captivating, and even participatory experiences.

While acknowledging the specific complexities and barriers associated with examining art from different eras, Ward presents readers with a novel formula to unravel this enigmatic realm. His method not only equips viewers with the tools to interpret a work of art but also assumes that they possess a fundamental understanding of art already. In essence, this book aims to democratize the experience of Old Master paintings, making them accessible to everyone.

By employing a holistic approach that encompasses visual perception, emotional resonance, and intellectual inquiry, Look Again offers a transformative perspective on the art of the past. It encourages viewers to engage with the works of the Old Masters on a deeper level, fostering a greater appreciation for their artistic achievements and their enduring significance. Through its engaging and accessible narrative, this book serves as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, students, and anyone seeking to broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world of art.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 193 x 153 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500239674