Heaven in Art

This is a great little book that is smaller than the size of an average persons hand. The paintings come from the National Gallery in London and include masterpieces from such notables as Botticelli, Poussin, Baocci and Carravaggio. The literature used comes from masters of prose as well including such diverse writers as Edgar Allan Poe, St Augustine, Tolstoy, Mark Twain, Dylan Thomas and Dante to name a few. The paintings selected are divided into four sections basically, angels, Jesus, Mary and the saints. The book is printed and bound in Italy and is of good thick stock and very sturdy. The color is very good and the detail is exquisite. This book is a perfect companion for those moments alone when contemplation takes one beyond the mundane ordinary existence. The beauty of this book is the matching of poetry with a painting. Every painting is matched up with a piece of writting. Each painting is shot from various angles, often for dramatic effect, getting extreme closeups of the expressions on the subjects. The details of the individual paintings are brought to full light. The paintings are all magnificent representaions of inspired art that has withstood the test of time, through wars, plagues and famines and the inherent beauty of the art comes to life anew in this marvelous little paperback. At just over 140 pages this book can be read in one sitting but it is one that deserves to be kept handy to reflect upon often. A great book for those interested in the works of the masters ala carte.

This book is my ideal in an art book - it provides the paintings without discussion, allowing the viewer to response naturally, then it provides a number of details from the painting much in the manner one focuses one's attention in a gallery.The paintings are well paired with poetry - poetry that in some manner touches the same theme as the painting but in a separate media.Example pairings: Sandro Botticelli's "Mystic Nativity" with the traditional English carol "Angels we have heard on high"; Duccio's "The Annunciation" with Edwin Muir's "The Annunciation"; an associate of Leonardo da Vinci's "An Angel in Red with Lute" with an extract of Edgar Allan Poe's "Israfel"; ...This is an excellent meditational art and literature book.