"A room without books is like a body without a soul," wrote Cicero.
I love books of all kinds. Every room in my house has books in it. I consider each book I have a small treasure, but my art books are particularly dear to me.
I’d like to share some of my finds that have inspired me through the years. I consider them real gems that I’ve found in different places and at different times in my life.
The subject matter is varied, but they’re all beautiful books, enticing to the eye and captivating to the soul.
1. The History of Art, Painted by Marcello Jori from Rizzoli Publishers
An artist’s fascinating history of art, beautifully illustrated and handwritten.
It’s a work of art in itself.
2. Raphael
Phaidon’s classic illustrated monograph on Raphael. A magnificent study of
Raphael (Raffaello), one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance.
Details the history of Maiolica, a major aspect of Italian Renaissance art. From
the collection at the Metropolitan Museum.
4. Robert Bateman: The Boy Who Painted Nature from Orca Book Publishers
A naturalist and painter, he is one of Canada’s most famous painters. Seeing his
paintings as a child inspired me to to want to draw and paint.
5. The Art of Robert Bateman From Viking Canada (AHC)
This was the first book to be devoted to Robert Bateman's work, published
in 1984. His wildlife art holds a special place in my heart.
6. Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743
from Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
A collection of every painting and fresco on display in the Uffizi, the Galleria
Palatina of the Pitti Palace, the Accademia, and the Duomo. This is a large,
comprehensive book in stunning beautiful colour.
7. The Magic of Monet’s Garden from Firefly Books
Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, created a spectacular five-acre garden
that he considered to be his greatest artistic achievement. This is truly a book
for daydreaming. The colours will inspire you.
8. The Horizon Book of the Renaissance from American Heritage Publishing
This is a classic for anyone interested in Italian Renaissance art.
9. Van Gogh's Letters: The Mind of the Artist in Paintings, Drawings,
and Words, 1875-1890 from Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
This is a collection of the many letters that Van Gogh wrote to his brother,
Theo, as well as other artists. It also features more than 250 of his works.
A fascinating look into the life of this enigmatic artist.
Details the design and evolution of the famous ceramics of Deruta, Italy,
This art form dates back to the Renaissance and its pieces call to mind the
Italian countryside.
11. Italian Renaissance Maiolica from V&A Publishing
You can see why these pieces were so prized in the Italian Renaissance.
The colours are amazing.
12. Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
If you love reading biographies, then this one should definitely be on your list.
Masterful telling of the life of Leonardo.
As I mentioned, I have many books, so I’ll compile a second list in the future with some of my other favourites on art and creativity.