Introduction to the History of Fine Arts in India and the West [antikvár]

PREFACE This book, the fruit of twenty years' teaching experience in India, is designed primarily to provide an introduction to the History of Fine Arts adapted to the needs of Indian students, and at once simple enough for the beginner and solid enough to be a foundation for higher studies in the subject. If the beginner is to grasp the fundamentals of the subject, it is necessary to give him an idea of the main trends, through a detailed examination of the greatest artists and of the most significant works of a given period, and to leave others for the study of the more advanced student. The Ajanta caves, for example, are so rich in truly beautiful frescoes that if we were to examine them all, all proportion would be lost, while in other less fertile periods, works which are actually inferior to some of those omitted must be mentioned in order to give the student an idea of the developments taking place. If the student intends to proceed with further studies in art, he has to know the technical terms in use, and therefore artistic terminology has been used deliberately; but whenever possible, the meaning has been made clear in the body of the text, and to make assurance doubly sure, a glossary has been added. Even the general reader who only desires that nodding acquaintance with the arts which is essential for a complete education will be glad of the opportunity to learn the meaning of these terms, so as to be able to take an intelligent part in conversations on the subject. Since for an art book nothing is more valuable than actual illustrations, almost five hundred halftone pictures and line-cuts have been included, to help the visualization of the works of art or technical details explained in the text. As the book is addressed to Indian students, Indian art is reviewed first and in detail, for the knowledge of our own cultural heritage should precede that of any foreign culture. However, the study of world art is important, for it is only by comparing the one with the other that a true understanding of our own culture can be reached. A brief historical survey introduces each chapter so that the art of the period and place is seen in proper perspective. It is hoped that those who read this book will be encouraged to proceed further with the study of art, both Indian and Western, so as to acquire a full appreciation of the cultural heritage which, in a world made one, we are all entitled to claim as our own.