SKU: 79667962226

A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer Screen

Sale price$63.00 Regular price$70.00
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $17.50 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 1 - Aug 6

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer ScreenA picture, says David Hockney, is the only way that we can give an account of what we see. But all picture makers face a common problem: how to compress three dimensional people, things and places onto a flat surface? The results are often pigeonholed as paintings, photographs or films. Alternatively, they may be sorted by date and style: medieval, Renaissance or baroque. In fact, Hockney argues, whether they are made by brush, camera or digital

A picture, says David Hockney, is the only way that we can give an account of what we see. But all picture-makers face a common problem: how to compress three-dimensional people, things and places onto a flat surface? The results are often pigeonholed as paintings, photographs or films. Alternatively, they may be sorted by date and style: medieval, Renaissance or baroque. In fact, Hockney argues, whether they are made by brush, camera or digital program, and no matter if they are on cave walls or computer screens, first and foremost they are all pictures. And for us to understand how we see the world around us - and hence ourselves - what is needed is a history of pictures. This is that book.

Informed and energized by a lifetime of painting, drawing and making images with cameras, Hockney, in collaboration with the art critic Martin Gayford, explores how and why pictures have been made across the millennia. What makes marks on a flat surface interesting? How do you show movement in a still picture, and how, conversely, do films and television connect with old masters? What are the ways in which time and space can be condensed into a static image on a canvas or screen? What do pictures show - truth or lies? Do photographs present the world as we experience it?

Juxtaposing a rich variety of images - a still from a Disney cartoon with a Japanese woodblock print by Hiroshige, a scene from an Eisenstein film with a Velázquez painting - the authors cross the normal boundaries between high culture and popular entertainment, and make unexpected connections across time and media. Building on Hockney's groundbreaking book Secret Knowledge, they argue that film, photography, painting and drawing are deeply interconnected. Insightful and thought-provoking, A History of Pictures is an important contribution to our appreciation of how we represent our reality.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 79667962226

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
Johanna Duska
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Lightweight Sheets for Sensitive Hot sleepers
Color: Cream, Size: Queen
These sheets are soft, thin, and absolutely perfect for me. I have advanced CRPS and erythromelalgia, so I deal with severe nerve burning and heat sensitivity and cannot tolerate being overheated at all. I keep our AC between 56–64 degrees constantly, and since our studio is small, it usually stays around 61–63. These sheets have been a lifesaver for sleep. They are lightweight, breathable, and don’t trap heat, which helps me avoid extreme flare-ups and the intense burning pain I deal with. I'm bedridden so I need to be comfortable. They feel comfortable against my skin and don’t worsen my symptoms when I’m already in a lot of pain and look nice, wash nicely. For the price, they are also a great value. I’m genuinely grateful to have found something that helps me rest more comfortably. Will be buying more for us and gifts.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026
Y
Verified Purchase
Yudelkys del Toro
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Sheet set
Color: Burgundy, Size: Queen
This lightweight microfiber sheet set stands out for its softness, comfort, and elegant design. Its fabric feels cool to the touch, withstands daily use, and is easy to wash, retaining its vibrant color wash after wash. It is an excellent choice for adding a cozy and sophisticated touch to the bedroom at an affordable price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
ashlee
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Great set of sheets
Color: Blue Pinstripe, Size: Twin
These microfiber sheets are incredibly soft and comfortable, especially for the price. I purchased the blue and white set for my daughter’s bed, and she loves them. The colors are bright and exactly as pictured. They fit the mattress well, don’t slip off the corners, and wash up nicely without pilling or fading. The brushed microfiber feels cozy and lightweight, making them great for year-round use. Overall, a great value and I would definitely buy another set.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Chansis Crpz
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Bold Colors, Great Quality, and an Amazing Price - Perfect Everyday Sheets
Color: Black, Size: Full
The Amazon Basics lightweight bed sheets have been such a great buy for my boys’ bedrooms. They come in a wide variety of colors, which made it easy to match each room’s style — and the colors stay bold and vibrant even after multiple washes, which honestly surprised me. The quality is excellent for the price. The fabric stays soft, doesn’t pill, and holds up well to frequent washing (a must in kids’ rooms!). Each set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillow shams, which makes the value even better — most sets at this price point don’t include that many pieces. Overall, these sheets are affordable, durable, colorful, and comfortable. I loved them enough to buy them in multiple colors, and they’ve held up beautifully. A fantastic budget-friendly choice for any household.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
Y
Verified Purchase
Yamilet Suárez
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Soft and Comfortable Sheets for Everyday Use
Color: Frosted Lavender, Size: Twin, Color: Frosted Lavender, Size: Twin
I really like these sheets. They are soft, lightweight, and fit my twin mattress perfectly. The lavender color looks beautiful in person and they feel comfortable to sleep on. After washing, they still looked nice and didn’t wrinkle much. Great quality for the price!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026

recommand products