Synopsis: Another volume in the excellent "Artventure" series, looking at famous works in new ways.

Review: This very fine little book sets out to try to explain why so many artists have depicted themsleves. An introduction to the theme - "What is a Self-portrait?" - leads in to a series of double-page spreads, each considering a different aspect of self-portraiture..."I am an Artist"; "Me and my World"; "Myself as a Chair", and so on. The net effect is to build up a more complex and rounded understanding of the relationship between the Artist and Society.

 As ever in this series, a good glossary and index accompany the main text; the "About the Artists" section lists properly the works featured, and refers to further works for the interested. This series has a couple of really nice little features: splurges of paint on each double-page spread highlight pointed questions, which force the reader to look carefully at the works featured; the "About the Artists" bit gives the relative physical size of each work, compared with an average adult; the range of works featured is always pleasantly surprising and varied - this volume looks at sculpture and photography as well as painting, for example.

This all adds up to a very fine introduction to art theory and history for anyone aged 9 and above. The series, through no fault of its own, is arguably unlikely to engage anyone not interested in art already - it demands attention and commitment from the reader. However, for the already engaged, it is just the sort of thing to take out of the library. It may also prove a valuable resource for KS2 teachers planning art lessons - or as background material for older children doing projects.

2008-05-25