How to Create Beauty
De Lairesse on the Theory and Practice of Making Art
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Gerard de Lairesse (1641-1711) was the most successful Dutch painter of his time. An eighteenth-century critic called him ‘undoubtedly the greatest genius there ever was in painting’. De Lairesse wrote a booklet on the art of drawing (1701) and a manual on painting (1707). The latter, the Groot Schilderboek, is the subject of this fine new study by art historian Lyckle de Vries.
De Vries found that the treatise is not primarily a discourse on the theory of art, but a practical manual for young painters. It probably was meant as a course for self study. With his fascinating reevaluation of De Lairesse’s book and a helpful translation, De Vries offers a treasure-trove of information not easily found elsewhere.
This volume includes a CD with an English translation of the first volume of the Schilderboek.
“A stimulating read … The quality [of the author’s translation of the Groot Schilderboek] is such that it will undoubtedly be of great help to students and scholars.” Xander van Eck in The Burlington Magazine, vol. CLVIV
“I couldn’t stop reading! It is a fascinating subject and beautifully treated. I think that the publisher did a very nice presentation, too.” - Prof. Walter S. Gibson, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland (Ohio)
“Admirable for its clarity. It makes De Lairesse’s book accesible and amply demonstrates its importance.” - Prof. Henk W. van Os, Amsterdam University
“The author rendered a great service to scholars and students in the field of Dutch art history.” - Gary D. Schwartz, art historian and publisher, Rembrandt specialist
Paperback, 2011, 224 blz., 120 ill.
ISBN 978-90-5997-102-8