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Art Book Reviews
The collections at Loggia explore select areas of study in art and art history, architecture and design, the decorative arts, industrial design, and classical studies such as Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology.
Gardner's Art Through the Ages
This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.
home | art | art history | 19th c. | gallery | Leighton | Nausicaa
Nausicaa
title | Nausicaa
artist | Frederic Leighton
period | Victorian
date | circa 1878
In this beautiful but somber painting, artist Frederic Leighton has depicted the Greek heroine Nausicaa. The story of Nausicaa appears in the Odyssey of Homer. In this epic poem, Nausicaa and Odysseus (the hero of the tale) meet and have a brief but memorable encounter. And it is made clear in the tale that the handsome hero Odysseus has awakened the desires of the young woman.
In this image, Nausicaa is represented standing against a wall, clad in garments inspired by ancient Greek art. The tones of the painting are muted, and the setting is simple. The lovely girl is portrayed with a pensive, perhaps wistful, expression.
One of the most striking things about this image is that it focuses solely on Nausicaa and her thoughts, rather than portraying the dramatic scene when she and Odysseus encounter each other for the first time. This emphasis on Nausicaa alone allows the viewer to appreciate the subtle beauty - and haunting story - of this compelling Greek figure.
More information about the role that Nausicaa played in Greek myth can be found at Mythography.
The Art of Lord Leighton
In this beautiful book, author Christopher Newall examines the life and works of eminent Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. The chapters deal with Leighton's evolution as a painter, from his early phase as "The Outsider", to success as "The President of the Royal Academy". And there are plenty of gorgeous color images to complement the text.
