Th Complete Guide to ANATOMY for Artists & Illustrators by Gottfried Bammes

 

 Info:

 Seiten:504
 Sprache: Englisch
 Verlag:Search press (24.Jan.2017)
 ISBN 13/EAN: 9781782213581

 search press

Bewertung: 7/10

 Klappentext:

This, the long-awaited English translation of Gottfried Bammes' acclaimed work Die Gestalt des Menschen, provides the definitive, comprehensive guide to human anatomy for artists.
Originally published in German in 1964, Professor Gottfried Bammes Die Gestalt des Menschen is still considered the definitive guide to drawing the human form. Having undergone numerous editions since it was first published and still much in demand today, this, the first ever English translation of the complete work, has been long awaited. Based on the most recent German edition and faithful to the original, it contains over 1200 photographs, diagrams and drawings, including work by the author himself, and spans over 500 pages. Now, both new and experienced English-speaking artists and illustrators can benefit from the vast body of knowledge accumulated and lovingly presented by Professor Bammes in his acclaimed work.
This comprehensive guide begins with the history of human anatomy for artists, and its influence on the development of the artistic visualisation of the body. Bammes goes on to explore in depth the human skeleton and musculature; the proportions of the body; the static and dynamic laws of posture and movement; body language; and the interrelationships of the various elements of the body. Through his systematic and practical approach to teaching, the reader will acquire an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and the ways in which it can be used to express the human form in art

Review:

Regarding the content of the book I’d like to direct you to the very detailed blurb. In my review, I’m concentrating especially on the positive aspects of the book, but will also mention some of its weaknesses.

The more than 500 pages spanning textbook offers in comparison to other books, that deal with the human anatomy, an enormous wealth of information and suggestions for nude paintings and portrayal of figures. The book supports the basic understanding of how the system human works. Requirement though is a thorough study of the textbook.

The compilation of many black and white photos of people in different postures in different ages together with their painted equivalent leads to better understanding of human proportions, shadowing and the interaction between muscle and skeleton. Parallel to the respective topic, works of classical and contemporary artists are shown. Gottfried Bammes gives uncountable explanations and provides assistance for the correct depiction of the human body. Graphic training aids, charts, detailed drawings, and total views connect art and science.

This textbook is not recommended for beginners, because it assumes an extensive fundamental knowledge. You won’t find any painting instructions or step-by-step guides. The walls of text might be off-putting, as the in part hard to understand parts require time intensive study. The layout seems antiquated, is more equal to tastes of the 60s, with only few color pictures and laborious accompanying texts.

Conclusion:

You have to see this textbook as more of classic, but which is after 50 years still counts as standard literature for art students, sculptors and impatient painters. For beginners who want to discover the topic of figure portrayals, I would recommend starting with small sketchbooks.