There has until now been no proper study of the bird in art, despite our fascination with birds, and despite the wealth of complex meanings associated with them in different cultures. A number of pagan gods are linked with birds, and dynasties and empires have adopted powerful birds as their symbols. Birds feature in numerous creation myths, and represent the human soul in many religions. We can trace bird imagery from the cave paintings of the Paleolithic era to the present day, and across all world cultures: there are painted, drawn, mosaic, sculpted, embroidered and ceramic birds, and birds as marginal illuminations or the subject of meticulous ornithological studies. This exquisite new book investigates the significance of the bird in 250 beautifully reproduced works of art, both ancient and modern. Nine chapters
on such themes as the mythical bird, the Eastern bird and the domestic bird
explore in detail a rich and rewarding collection of paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures, creating a book that will enchant art lovers and anyone interested in ornithology. AUTHOR: Caroline Bugler is a freelance writer and editor. She was formerly Editor of Art Quarterly, the magazine of the Art Fund, the fundraising charity for works of art. Her previous publications include an artistic guide to Vienna. SELLING POINTS: . A major new study of the bird in art throughout history, with comprehensive interpretation of the works depicted . Features 250 illustrations by such major artists as Audubon, Dali, Durer, Ernst, Freud, Goya, Klee, Stubbs and Turner . Follows Merrell’s successful books ‘The Horse: 30,000 Years of the Horse in Art’, ‘The Dog: 5000 Years of the Dog in Art’ and ‘The Cat: 3500 Years of the Cat in Art’ 265 colour illustrations