Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing. - book review

Science News, July 20, 2002

MARGARET LIVINGSTONE

Using great works of art as examples, this Harvard neurophysiologist explains how the eye and brain translate different wavelengths of light into the colors and forms of the world around us. In a book both literally and figuratively visual, she clearly explains how human vision works and demonstrates that our way of seeing art depends ultimately on the cells in our eyes and brains. Livingstone explains that artists rely on the visual distinction between colors, which convey emotion and symbolism, and luminance, which defines shape, texture, and line to impart information. The tricks that painters use to manipulate the eye are revealed, including the elements of Mona Lisa's smile and how Andy Warhol made "Electric Chair" look as if it's pulsing with current. Abrams, 2002, 208 p., color photos/illus., hardcover, $45.00.