Civilisations: How Do We Look / The Eye of Faith

Civilisations examines how humans have depicted themselves in art across different cultures and time periods. Through analysis of artifacts ranging from ancient Mexican sculptures to Renaissance paintings, Mary Beard traces the evolution of human representation in visual culture. The book consists of two main sections: "How Do We Look," which focuses on the human form in art, and "The Eye of Faith," which explores religious imagery and architecture. Beard visits key historical sites and analyzes significant works while providing cultural and historical context for each piece. The text questions conventional interpretations of art history and challenges readers to consider multiple perspectives on how societies have chosen to portray themselves. Through this dual examination of human and divine representation, the book reveals the complex relationships between power, faith, and visual culture that continue to shape modern society.

Readers found this book serves as a companion to the BBC documentary series, with many noting it works better as a visual supplement than a standalone text. The brief length (240 pages) made it accessible but left some wanting more depth. Liked: - Clear writing style makes art history approachable - Strong focus on how different cultures view religious art - Inclusion of diverse global perspectives beyond Western art - High quality photographs and illustrations Disliked: - Too short and surface-level for the topics covered - Feels rushed compared to the TV series - Limited analysis of many artworks mentioned - Some repetition from Beard's previous books Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (380+ ratings) Multiple readers noted this works best as a "companion piece" rather than comprehensive art history. One reviewer wrote: "Like having an engaging museum tour guide, but leaves you wanting to learn more about each exhibit."

Art: A New History by Paul Johnson An examination of how humans have created and perceived art through different civilizations and time periods, with focus on the cultural and social contexts that shaped artistic expression.

The Story of Art by Ernst Gombrich A survey of art history that connects artistic developments to the broader historical contexts and belief systems of their time.

The Power of Images by David Freedberg An investigation into how people across cultures and centuries have responded to and interacted with images, from religious icons to contemporary art.

Ways of Seeing by John Berger A study of how visual culture shapes social understanding, exploring the connection between art, advertising, and cultural perception.

The Sacred and The Profane by Mircea Eliade An analysis of how different societies have understood and expressed religious beliefs through symbols, rituals, and visual representations.

🔸 Mary Beard wrote this book as a companion to the BBC series "Civilisations," reimagining Kenneth Clark's landmark 1969 series but with a focus on how humans have portrayed themselves in art throughout history. 🔸 The book explores the fascinating connection between religious imagery and power, from ancient Egyptian statues to modern-day religious icons, showing how art has shaped belief systems across millennia. 🔸 Mary Beard is not only a celebrated author but also a Professor of Classics at Cambridge University and has been awarded an OBE for her services to classical scholarship. 🔸 The text reveals how the destruction of religious art and imagery, from ancient times to modern day, often represents not just vandalism but deliberate attempts to erase or rewrite cultural memory. 🔸 The book's unique structure divides into two distinct parts: "How Do We Look" examines how humans have depicted themselves in art, while "The Eye of Faith" explores religious imagery and its impact on civilization.