The most talked-about art book of the year. David Hockney, in a stunning way, analyzes the use of optics in art and reveals how some of the greatest works of Western art were created with the help of mirrors and lenses. The book "Secret Knowledge" caused a sensation when it was published, and its revolutionary approach sparked intense discussions in the fields of science and art history.
In this enhanced edition, Hockney goes further, revealing new and exciting discoveries. With the help of his own drawings, paintings, and photos of his experiments, he examines how Renaissance artists used mirrors and lenses to develop perspective and shadowed lighting, radically overturning our understanding of the foundations of Western art.
Hockney combines hundreds of paintings and drawings, most of which are among the best and most beloved works in the history of Western art, accompanying them with his infectious and enthusiastic descriptions. "Secret Knowledge" is not only about the lost techniques of the old masters but also about how we see and create images in the age of digital interventions.
It invites the reader to challenge accepted ideas and practices, offering a privileged insight into art history from an unparalleled creator.
