The Sun: The Source of Light in Art

The sun has been a source of inspiration for artists for centuries, representing power, gods, and change. This catalog explores visual representations of the sun from antiquity to the present day, including symbolic, allegorical, and mimetic qualities. It includes over two hundred stunning reproductions of well- and lesser-known works and insightful texts that explore how solar symbolism figured in pre-Christian objects, how artists employed the sun in their narrative paintings, and how 20th-century artists incorporated abstract, surrealistic, and transformative modes of solar representation into a variety of media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Prestel

For centuries, artists have sought inspiration from the sun, harnessing its radiant energy to illuminate their creations. As a symbol of boundless power, the sun has been personified as gods and Christ, and its presence has been seen as a harbinger of change. Artists have explored the sun's light and color, using it as a medium to convey emotions and ideas.

This comprehensive catalog examines visual representations of the sun from ancient times to the present. It is organized into seven chronological sections, each exploring different aspects of sun imagery. From symbolic representations to allegorical interpretations, mythical iconography to mimetic qualities, the catalog showcases a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

Featuring over two hundred stunning reproductions of renowned and lesser-known works, the catalog provides a visual feast for art enthusiasts. In addition, incisive and enlightening texts delve into the historical significance of solar symbolism, exploring how it manifested in pre-Christian objects, 17th-century depictions of the "Sun King" Louix XIV, and the influence of the sun on the works of artists such as Rubens, Monet, and the Impressionists.

The catalog also explores the experimental approaches of Neo-Impressionists like Seurat and the incorporation of abstract, surrealistic, and transformative modes of solar representation into various media by 20th-century artists. By examining the sun's enduring appeal and its profound impact on art, this catalog offers a deeper understanding of the creative forces that have shaped human culture throughout history.

Weight: 2010g
Dimension: 250 x 311 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791379654