First published 1993
Anne Hollander explores how Western artists have portrayed the human form and clothing across centuries of creative work. She begins with ancient Greek sculptures and decorated pottery, then moves through medieval religious art and Renaissance portraits. Her study continues into the modern era, examining contemporary cinema and fashion photography. Hollander argues that clothing in art serves as more than mere decoration or social marker. Artists use garments to reveal character, suggest movement, and create visual harmony within their compositions. The book includes numerous illustrations that demonstrate her points about artistic technique and cultural meaning. Hollander shows how each historical period developed distinct approaches to rendering fabric, flesh, and the relationship between them. Readers gain insight into both art history and the cultural significance of dress across different societies and time periods.
Genres: history, art, non-fiction, art-history, fashion, fashion-design
Vibes: academic, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, cultural-analysis
Period: Ancient Greece, Medieval, Renaissance, Modern Era
504 pages · Paperback · University of California Press