Art Does art leave you cold? And is that what it's supposed to do? Or is a painting meant to move you to tears? Hemingway was reduced to tears in the midst of a drinking bout when a painting by James Thurber caught his eye. And what's bad about that? In Pictures and Tears, art historian James Elkins tells the story of paintings that have made people cry. Drawing upon anecdotes related to individual works of art, he provides a chronicle of how people have shown emotion before works of art in the past, and a meditation on the curious tearlessness with which most people approach art in the present. Deeply personal, Pictures and Tears is a history of emotion and vulnerability, and an inquiry into the nature of art. This book is a rare and invaluable treasure for people who love art. Also includes an 8-page color insert.

Author: James Elkins
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 09/14/2001
Pages: 294
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 8.54h x 6.42w x 1.06d
ISBN: 9780415937139


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 10/15/2001 pg. 367
Library Journal 11/01/2001 pg. 86

About the Author

James Elkins is Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is the author of many books, including How to Use Your Eyes and What Painting Is, both published by Routledge.