The purpose of this volume is to introduce the reader to the pleasure of looking at master drawings. Through forty-five spectacular works of art, each shown in full and with an enlarged detail, the book simulates the experience of looking at a drawing through a magnifying glass: we can see the techniques and materials used and get close to the artist's creativity. They are roughly ordered by date and were chosen for inclusion because, in addition to yielding beautiful details, they encompass a wide variety of media and techniques. Accompanying short texts highlight particular aspects of each work; italicized technical terms are explained in an accessible and informative glossary at the back. Works by some of the greatest masters of the craft--Leonardo da Vinci, Dürer, Raphael, Rembrandt, Ingres, Goya, Seurat, and Van Gogh--are included.

Master Drawings Close-Up introduces the reader to the pleasure of looking at the great drawings of the past.Through beautiful enlarged details, the book simulates the experience of looking at drawings through a magnifying glass. The selection encompasses a wide variety of media and techniques, and the accompanying short texts highlight particular aspects of the work of some of our greatest masters of the craft - including Leonardo da Vinci, Durer, Raphael, Rembrandt, Ingres,Goya, Seurat and van Gogh.

Drawings give us a sense of being close to the artist, of seeing inspiration, experimentation and creativity at first hand. They offer a glimpse behind the scenes, beyond the final product the artist wanted us to see, revealing human struggle, false starts and brilliant flourishes. With insights into why artists made drawings,how they used chalk, watercolour, pen-and-ink or pastel,and explanations of terminology such as hatching,stumping, squaring and heightening, Master Drawings Close-Up offers entertainment for enthusiasts and invaluable insights for practising artists.

The forty-five drawings are selected from the collections of the British Museum and the J. Paul Getty Museum.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

THE DRAWINGS

LIST OF COMMONLY USED MEDIA

BRIEF GUIDE TO TERMS USED IN

THE STUDY OF MASTER DRAWINGS

FURTHER READING