Six Centuries of Painting

by Randall Davies

"Six Centuries of Painting" by Randall Davies is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of painting across Europe, detailing prominent artists and movements from the Renaissance to modern times. It serves as a comprehensive survey, aiming to provide readers with insights into the development of artistic styles and techniques alongside the socio-cultural contexts that influenced them. The opening of this work lays a foundational understanding of the history of painting, starting from the pivotal figure of Cimabue in the thirteenth century. Davies emphasizes the important role of the Christian Church in fostering the growth of painting as an art form, which had initially been shunned. He outlines significant milestones and transitions in artistic representation, highlighting how painting evolved from rigid religious depictions to embodying emotional depth and realistic portrayals of human beings and nature. This introductory section emphasizes the relationships among key historical figures and how their innovations set the stage for future developments in art.