The Language of Art: Studies in Interpretation

Moshe Barasch, an authority on art theory, tackles the complex question of how art works as language. Barasch shows how, once an art work is seen and understood, a new, communicative function is effectively added to the work. In an engaging style Barasch moves from the art and civilization of Ancient Egypt to that of modern Europe, and effortlessly shows a full and surprising range of language in art–from the magical to the impious, from the ambiguous to the didactic, from the scientific to the propagandistic. Barasch contemplates a variety of mediums including sculpture, painting, mural, statuary, woodcuts, bas-relief, even music. Over one hundred illustrations are included as an integral part of the discussion.