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Trees in Art

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Trees in Art by Charles Watkins is a richly illustrated exploration of the symbolic and artistic presence of trees throughout history. Journey from the classical world, with myths like Daphne's transformation into a laurel tree, through sacred art masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Discover the oak's role as a symbol of nationhood across Europe, the mysterious allure of forest interiors, and the surreal depictions of trees by artists like Arcimboldo, William Blake, and Salvador Dalรญ. The book also covers contemporary artists such as Giuseppe Penone and Ai Wei Wei, while revealing how artists have mastered the depiction of trees across centuries. This thematic work connects the tree as a natural form to the human journey through life, enriched by the author's expertise in history and ecology.
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Format: Hardback
$9499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers passionate about art history, nature, and the symbolic significance of trees, as well as those interested in the intersection of ecology and visual culture.

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Each thematic chapter takes a breathtaking journey through centuries of artists' engagement and fascination with a natural form that seems to allegorize or mirror the human journey through life. Drawing on the author's deep knowledge of the history and ecology of trees, Trees in Art

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this superbly illustrated book, Charles Watkins explores the myth and magic of arboreal art. Enter the groves of the classical world, from Daphne's metamorphosis into a laurel tree to the gardens of Pompeii. The tree in sacred art is represented in masterworks by Botticelli and Michelangelo. The oak as a symbol of nationhood and liberty across Europe is revealed.

The mystery and drama of forest interiors, the formal beauty of avenues of trees, the representation of forestry over the ages, and the world of more than real trees in the fantastic and surreal art of Arcimboldo, William Blake, Arthur Rackham, and Salvador Dali are each illuminated in fascinating detail, coming right up to date with Giuseppe Penone and Ai Wei Wei. Watkins also elucidates the practice of genius in how artists learned to draw trees.

Each thematic chapter takes a breathtaking journey through centuries of artists' engagement and fascination with a natural form that seems to allegorise or mirror the human journey through life. Drawing on the author's deep knowledge of the history and ecology of trees, Trees in Art shows that we can learn much about ourselves from the art of trees.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

World of Interiors praises the book for showcasing artists' efforts to depict foliage, highlighting figures from Arcimboldo to Max Ernst. Outdoor Photography notes Watkins' deep knowledge, calling it a fascinating tour for those interested in trees and landscapes. Scottish Forestry describes it as more than a coffee-table book, emphasising its depth, beautiful presentation, and value for money.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780239309

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 June 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 203 illustrations, 189 in colour

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 210.0mm

Height: 280.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Charles Watkins is Professor of Rural Geography at the University of Nottingham. His recent books include Uvedale Price (1747โ€“1829): Decoding the Picturesque (2012) with Ben Cowell, Trees, Woods and Forests: A Social and Cultural History (Reaktion, 2014) and Europeโ€™s Changing Woods and Forests (2015), ed. with Keith Kirby.

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