Book Review Simon Schama's Power of Art

The tale of each of the artists featured (Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt, David, Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rothko) is based around a pivotal artwork, the creation of something unprecedented, which changed the course of art. Told in a compelling, energetic fashion, this is a book that will inspire painters to look anew at the work of these artists, and to strive for more in their own art. It reinforces how it's important to continue to push yourself and your painting, to never sit back and rely on what you know you can do.

This book was produced to accompany the TV series but doesn't require you to have seen it. And it's more than simply the script in book form; it provides "space for reflection on works that couldn't be accommodated within the television hour". Containing extra information as it does, the book is compelling reading even if you have watched the TV series, though I kept hearing Simon Schama's voice echoing in my ears as I read it.

In his introduction Schama says "The power of art is the power of unsettling surprise", and his book does the same. It tells the tale of seven famous painters (Caravaggio, Rembrandt, David, Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rothko) and one sculptor (Bernini) using one artwork as the starting point, an artwork which Schama says was one which changed the course of art history and was pivotal in the career of each artist.

The book is illustrated throughout with photos of the artworks being discussed. Most of these are full-page reproductions, enabling you to see detail and study them closely.

There aren't dry interpretation of artworks presented in a stuffy manner. Instead Schama uses his skill as a storyteller to weave together biography, historical context, explanations of the symbolism and what's portrayed in a painting, and how the artist worked. The result is a compelling read that draws you in. The process of looking at the development of an individual painting by an acknowledged master will help you focus on the essence of the paintings you desire to create.

If you can afford it, I'd recommend buying both the book and the DVD of the TV series. If you budget will run to only one, it's a hard choice. I'd probably opt for the book because you can make notes in it. It's definitely not a book for dipping into before you go to sleep though, it'll make you get up and attack your easel with renewed enthusiasm and drive.