Ernst Gombrich’s "The Story of Art," first published in 1950, is arguably one of the most influential books in the field of art studies. Originally intended to make art accessible to beginners, it has since become an essential text for professional artists, art historians, and students alike. With a straightforward yet profound approach, Gombrich traces the evolution of art, from the earliest cave paintings to contemporary works, offering a clear understanding of artistic movements and their connections. I'm kicking off the Atelier Library articles with this book—you’ll soon see why!
Gombrich opens with a powerful statement: "There really is no such thing as Art. There are only artists." This phrase encapsulates his approach: art is, above all, the product of unique individuals whose creations mirror their time, aspirations, and vision. Understanding art history means understanding the lives and works of these artists, and for today’s artists, it’s about reconnecting with a lineage of passionate creators who have shaped our visual world.
A Must-Read for Artists, Students, and Art Lovers Alike
For an artist or student, understanding artistic movements and their interconnections is essential. Gombrich’s work goes beyond simply listing these movements; it delves into their foundations, underlying ideas, and how each generation influenced the next. Each chapter invites the reader to see how artists have engaged with the past, innovated, responded to the events of their time, and, in cases like the Impressionists, revolutionized the art world by breaking with tradition.
Gombrich presents key works from each period, helping readers visualize transitions and evolutions. For instance, he compares Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to illustrate the shift from idealization to a deeper exploration of human individuality. This kind of analysis is crucial for artists, as it enables them to understand how styles and themes evolve in response to worldviews and technical advancements of each era.
A Chronological and Insightful Journey Through Artistic Movements
One of Gombrich's greatest strengths is structuring his book chronologically, allowing readers to smoothly follow the evolution of Western art. This timeline helps readers place artistic movements in relation to one another and understand their interconnected lineage.
Parietal Art
Gombrich begins his journey with parietal art, those early forms of artistic expression dating back to Prehistory. For Gombrich, these works, like the famous paintings of Lascaux, are far more than mere hunting scenes; they reveal the human instinct to leave a mark, to communicate, and to express beyond language. These pieces remind us that, from its very origins, art was a response to human spiritual and social needs, a connection to the mystical and the unseen. This primal approach to art, blending symbolism and ritual, still influences how we perceive art today.
Antiquity
Gombrich moves on to the works of Antiquity, where art often served functional purposes, whether religious or political. He highlights, for instance, the Parthenon in Athens, where the harmony of proportions embodies the values of Athenian democracy. This functional aspect of ancient art is an important lesson for modern artists, reminding us that art frequently has a utilitarian or narrative dimension.
The Renaissance
Gombrich highlights the Renaissance as a period of revival and rediscovery of ancient values, but with renewed intensity. He emphasizes how Renaissance artists, like Michelangelo with his Sistine Chapel fresco, redefined art as an expression of individuality and technical virtuosity.
Baroque and Rococo
Gombrich sees these styles as defined by a pursuit of dynamism and drama, evident in the works of Caravaggio and Rubens. He demonstrates how art became a tool to captivate and move the viewer—a lesson that remains relevant for any artist today aiming to create immersive works.
Modern Art
Gombrich’s analysis of modern art is especially insightful for contemporary artists. He explains how the Impressionists, Fauves, and Cubists, breaking away from conventions, began a formal exploration that continues to influence art today. For instance, he discusses the impact of innovations by Monet and Cézanne, whose experiments with color and form paved the way for increasing abstraction.
Contemporary Art
In his reflections on contemporary art, Gombrich emphasizes the importance of understanding how this often perplexing art, especially for the general public, is rooted in a deliberate break from convention and tradition. He highlights artists like Jackson Pollock, whose gestural, spontaneous painting embodies the complete freedom of artistic expression. For Gombrich, contemporary art is an endless exploration where materials, ideas, and forms are constantly reimagined. Today's artist, as an heir to this history, has the responsibility to continue this quest, adding their own voice to the timeless dialogue between past and future.
A Living Legacy of Art History for Contemporary Artists
Gombrich reminds us that every artist, even when breaking with the past, remains part of a continuous thread. He encourages readers to see themselves as heirs to this long tradition, one that is both liberating and deeply rooted in history. "The works of the past tell us nothing if we do not question them." This quote invites artists and students to actively engage with art history, using this heritage as a source of inspiration and inquiry.
Today, the contemporary artist can feel connected to this lineage, drawing from Renaissance techniques, Baroque expressiveness, or the boldness of modern art. Studying Gombrich’s The Story of Art provides a foundation to understand how these movements interact and how they laid the groundwork for the art of today.
Conclusion: An Endless Resource
Gombrich’s The Story of Art is more than just a history book; it’s a guide to understanding art’s inner logic and recognizing the legacy that every modern artist carries within. This book encourages artists to view history not as a mere sequence of events, but as a living source of techniques, ideas, and symbols. Through his clear analyses and iconic examples, Gombrich provides the keys to seeing art as a universal and timeless language.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this book invites you to rediscover art with a fresh perspective, and it’s only fitting that The Atelier Review begins its articles on its library with this essential reference. By studying the foundations and evolution of art, you’ll not only deepen your understanding but also enrich your own artistic expression, contributing to the enduring passion for art that spans centuries.
If you have any questions about this book or its author, feel free to ask me in class, by email, or in the comments. And don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about artists, works, or artistic movements in general!
This book is available in a convenient pocket edition and a standard edition, making it a perfect bedside companion for any artist.
Since I highly, highly recommend this work to everyone… enjoy the read!
Comments