An introduction to Aztec art, looking at temple architecture, featherwork, mosaics, painted books, and sculptures. Examines Aztec society, its gods, rigid social classes, rulers, history, and poetry.

This beautiful book contains fascinating text and over 170 unique photographs of one of the most interesting but least well known cultures in the Indonesian Archipelago. The traditional art of Maluku Tenggara, the Southeast Moluccas, is among the most sophisticated and expressive in the world. Simple tools were used to create masterpieces in wood, stone, textiles and precious metals, while the plaited work and earthenware of these islands are also of the very highest quality. the colonial period plunged the region into hopeless isolation. During the harsh rule of the Dutch many traditional woks of art, especially ancestor statues, were destroyed. Later, collectors stripped the islands of their masterpieces and the culture of Maluka Tenggara was forgotten. Forgotten Islands of Indonesia presents a unique survey of the finest examples of Southeast Moluccan art. This volume contains many photographs and descriptions which have never before been published. Set against the cultural background and supplemented by rare photographs taken in the field, the material culture of Maluku Tenggara, which is regarded as one of the most fascinating areas of Indonesia, is presented here comprehensively for the first time.

Publisher Description

The Cave Painters is a vivid introduction to the spectacular cave paintings of France and Spain—the individuals who rediscovered them, theories about their origins, their splendor and mystery. Gregory Curtis makes us see the astonishing sophistication and power of the paintings and tells us what is known about their creators, the Cro-Magnon people of some 40,000 years ago. He takes us through various theories—that the art was part of fertility or hunting rituals, or used for religious purposes, or was clan mythology—examining the ways interpretations have changed over time. Rich in detail, personalities, and history, The Cave Painters is above all permeated with awe for those distant humans who developed—perhaps for the first time—both the ability for abstract thought and a profound and beautiful way to express it.

Philoktetes Sophocles - Among the most celebrated plays of ancient Athens, Philoketes is one of seven surviving dramas by the great Greek playwright, Sophocles, now available from Harper Perennial in a vivid and dynamic new translation by award-winning poet James Scully. A powerful tale born out of the blood and chaos of the Trojan War, Philoketes tells the story of a wounded soldier exiled by Odysseus, and the devastating consequences of the abandoned warrior's dangerously conflicted emotions when his former commander realizes Troy will not fall without Philoktetes and attempts to recruit him once more. This is Sophocles, vibrant and alive, for a new generation.

Originally published in 1978 by Penguin Books.

The arts of China explores the world's oldest continuous artistic tradition as well as one of its most brilliant. In this stimulating art history, noted Oriental art authority Dr. Hugo Munsterberg traces the history of Chinese art dynasty by dynasty, elucidating the origins and development of major movements in Chinese painting, ceramics, bronzes, sculpture, and architecture. He clearly describes and defines the important trends and influences that culminated in the brilliant sculpture of the Tang Dynasty, the enchanting landscape paintings of the Song Dynasty, and the exquisite ceramics of the Ming Dynasty. Outstanding examples of each genre are presented in over one hundred superb color and black-and-white photographs.

Traces the history of New York graffiti, shows a variety of painted subway cars, and desribes the graffiti writers and how they work.

What is so primitive about primitive art? And how do we dare to use our standards to judge? Drawing on a mixture of sources, this text explores the cultural arrogance implicit in Westerners' appropriation of non-Western art.

The who, what, where, when, and how of rock-art. This richly illustrated book will guide you to 28 outstanding rock-art sites in seven states, and teach you about art styles and the cultural groups that created them. Includes a resource guide to continue your exploration.