Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-8. The large-format, graphically dynamic Adventures in Art series originates in Germany, but translates well to the American market. More sophisticated in concept and approach than the standard "art for children" series, these books offer a readable introduction to an artist's work, illustrated with well-reproduced works of art, photographs of the artist, etc. Oddly for a book in an art series,`the volume on Leonardo da Vinci emphasizes his studies in science and engineering, such as his experiments and notes on moving water, the human body, flying machines, and war machines. Two double-page spreads focus on his paintings and another considers his plans for a monumental, bronze statue statue of a horse. Though few would argue that the accompanying sketches from his notebooks are not works of art, the emphasis here is on Leonardo's inventive genius. Readers will find this an eclectic, but interesting look at the quintessential Renaissance man. In a more straightforward presentation, Gustav Klimt provides biographical information about this Viennese artist. Though Klimt's name may not be familiar to American audiences, some of his paintings are. In "The Kiss," two lovers embrace, their vertical figures central to the composition, yet visually overshadowed by gold robes and background as well as richly patterned fabrics. In addition to discussing the artist, the text does a good job of analyzing individual paintings, which glow with life and color as reproduced here. --Carolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
