Nicholas James Bücher

Featuring an extensive index of three hundred Stately Homes and Country Houses across England, Scotland, and Wales, this book offers rich historical and architectural insights. Each entry includes detailed information on family lineages associated with the properties, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. The illustrations enhance the exploration of these magnificent estates, showcasing their significance and heritage.

Focusing on Damien Hirst's innovative contributions to contemporary art, this volume delves into his Biopsy and Fact paintings, votive pieces, and installations, including notable works like Saint Sebastian and the diamond-studded skull showcased in the 'Beyond Belief' exhibition. Additionally, it reviews Hirst's year-long takeover of the Gagosian Gallery, featuring a dynamic selection of previously unseen works from his studio, highlighting the evolution of his artistic vision and his impact on the art world.

Focusing on the major Cézanne exhibition at the Tate Gallery in 1995, the review contextualizes the event by examining its institutional presentation and the social dynamics of its audience. Through a reflective journey of the exhibition, it captures the interactions of media professionals and their responses to the artwork. The essay also discusses the formation of the exhibition catalogue and includes additional essays on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, featuring studies of artists like Gauguin and Pierre Bonnard.

Focusing on two iconic paintings by Vermeer, this volume delves into the critical perspectives of four historians, analyzing their methodologies and interpretations. Rather than just describing Vermeer’s art, it engages in comparative analysis to highlight the diverse viewpoints of his biographers. Additionally, the book features studies of various artists spanning from the early Renaissance to the 20th century, including Masaccio, Velázquez, Cézanne, and Dali, enriching the discourse on artistic evolution and influence.

The book presents an interview with American artist James Turrell, delving into his innovative use of light and space in art. Key projects discussed include the environmental sculpture The Roden Crater and concepts like Plato's Cave and Shallow Space Constructions. The content is enriched with insights into Turrell's artistic philosophy and creative process, alongside bio-data and references that contextualize his work within the broader art landscape.

Masaccio's work marks a pivotal transition from the Trecento to the High Renaissance, showcasing dramatic realism that influenced iconic artists like Michelangelo and Raphael. His painting, the Trinity at Santa Maria Novella, serves as a focal point in an essay exploring the interplay of belief and patronage surrounding its creation. This analysis highlights the work's innovative portrayal of The Crucifixion, which significantly contributed to the evolution of Italian Renaissance art, unlocking new artistic possibilities and setting the stage for future masterpieces.

Focusing on Salvador Dalí's evolution, the book delves into his childhood, early artistic experiments, and rise within Parisian high society during the 1930s. It highlights his role in the Surrealist movement from 1928 to 1939, exploring the complexities of his creative personality through essays by Nicholas James and Edward Lucie-Smith. Additionally, the collection "Small Histories" presents essays and reviews on significant Western artworks and artists from 1993 to 2011, revealing connections between classic and contemporary art through over seventy pieces.

Objevit něco tak úžasného, že svět už nikdy nebude jako dřív. Sen všech archeologů, který se ale vyplní jen nemnoha z nich. Často jsou známa jen suchá fakta. Za nimi ale stojí příběhy plné dobrodružství a romantiky, dřiny… a samozřejmě i štěstí. Vydejme se po stopách nejslavnějších archeologických objevů a poznejme ty, jejichž usilovná práce, studium a vytrvalost pomohly světu odhalit tajemství historie a kořeny naší civilizace. 32 s. obr. příl.