Cover Image: The Art of Looking Up

The Art of Looking Up

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Member Reviews

I was not able to download this book. I attempted to do so on several occasions, but was always unsuccessful.

Thanks you regardless for the opportunity to read and review

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I was unable to access this book, got an error about licensing, so I could not access the book or the images.. too bad, since I would have liked to review

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These ceilings are absolutely beautiful! This book will be appreciated by artists, architects, and anyone who loves beauty.

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This book is marked out by its wonderful photography which captures some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Looking at the ceilings and vaulted heights within these structures; dividing them into places of Religion, Culture, Power and Politics.
The title is apt because it is only in gazing beyond our normal perspective that we see the art displayed above our heads.
I remember as a child a competition in our local newspaper to find and identify buildings in the town based on photos above normal street level. It made me realise at a young age we miss so much around us if we never raise our heads.
“Ceilings and domes were frequently used for the telling of religious narratives for those who could not read it in words........”
But I liked the instances of Cultural intervention highlighted in this book as evidenced by Stockholm’s metro system something I have seen at first-hand but better appreciate reading here.
I was also intrigued to realise that art in such buildings can impose a sense of authority and emphasise power, again examples are made across the world.
Finally I had never appreciated the political statements that can be made in government buildings. “A ceiling is the prefect canvas on which to craft a self-styled civic and national identity....”
This linking theme helps create a book with a story rather than just the over bombardment of art and design. It records the development of thinking and the shift in control and needs of the general public.
At school we learn that Michelangelo painting of the Sistine Chapel was to the glory of God in that even parts invisible from below where equally done and finished in their entirety. Something I haven’t always aspired to wallpapering a bedroom. However, this book took me further than these reminiscences and elevated my mind to look up and see art for all its worth and purpose. The interaction of different cultures was also enlightening and I found the book a wonderful destruction to he constraints of a normal day. A true ‘coffee table book’ to treasure and enjoy.

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The Art of Looking Up has some beautiful photography. This would make a fantastic gift for the holidays.

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As someone who spends more time looking at the architecture of churches rather than the weddings I am attending in them, this book was right up my alley. There’s just something magically about a beautiful ceiling done right, with all the skill both mathematically and artistically that goes into. This book for me was pure pleasure of looking at awe-inspiring ceilings across the globe that I’ll probably never get to see. There is such a variety as well rather than sticking to one theme.

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A beautifully photographed and presented book! I have always been fascinated by the beautiful ceilings in the Vatican. I look at the work done by Michelangelo and wonder how? How did he do it? I have studied it for years, and am still fascinated.
The author also included the U.S. Capitol, which I have also marveled at.
And, so many more! I now have so many more locations on my bucket list to visit. Until then, I can marvel at the photos in this book.
Thank you, Catherine McCormack!

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4.5 stars.

Each ceiling chosen was incredibly stunning and beautiful! There were a few that I didn't know existed and ceilings aren't usually what people look at except when the place is famous for it.

The book was divided in 4 parts: religion, culture, power and politics. Each art took around 3-5 pages with pictures and a condensed history and explanation for each ceiling art. There was a brief history of art in the beginning and it mentions how sexist it used to be.

Overall, I enjoyed reading through this though I felt bored at times with how it dragged on in the history. Another problem I had was the text would cut off and continue two pages later (which was annoying to go up and down with the digital copy because I kept forgetting how the sentence ended).

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.

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This was a fascinating book. It was fun to see all the ceilings etc without getting dizzy, A beautiful coffee table book.

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"Why do we look up? In childhood we look up for reassurance, guidance and a model of the future that awaits us. As humans we are hierarchical and believe that the higher up something is, the greater its importance, and we consequently tend to desire things that are tantalizingly out of reach. As humanity we have looked up to the sky above us to understand our place in the universe, using the constellations of the stars to chart our voyages. In looking up we reflect on our gods and construct the stories of our creation."


The Art of Looking Up is an absolutely fascinating book about the most beautiful and awe-inspiring ceilings in the world. If you're an avid traveler, an admirer of beauty and art, or simply like to look up, this is the book for you.

Separated by topic (Religion, Power, Politics, etc.) the book takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the most masterful creations of humans. I've always loved painted and frescoed ceilings, so The Art of Looking Up was an absolute treat for me.

The book not only shows pictures of the chosen list of ceilings, but also manages in a small amount of space to give the basic history behind the particular piece, as well as a short explanation of its symbolism. This was truly delightful for me, as even though I like looking at ceilings, I don't necessarily understand all the things the artists were trying to portray. And apparently, that's not even that uncommon, as in the chapter about Venice's Palazzo Ducale it was mentioned that in order to explain that particular ceiling they created a booklet of 128 pages or so, way back in the 16th century. Funnily enough, that happens to be the only ceiling in the book that I've actually seen in person.

Having read this book though, I will definitely try to visit some of the places mentioned, specifically because of the book and the mentioned ceilings. I absolutely fell in love with another Venetian ceiling, the San Pantalon Church, which I missed during my two trips to Venice, no thanks to the unassuming facade of the church, I guess.

Therefore, this goes at the top of my list of things to do next time in Venice (as I'm sure I'll go again, Venice being one of my favourite cities).

Additionally, the book goes beyond Europe, to places I'm a lot less likely to ever visit, which made them even more enchanting, such as the Debre Berhan Selassie Church in Ethiopia or the Badal Mahal in Rajastan.

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The title doesn't lie--this is a book of truly high art that happens to be high up on the ceilings of various places. From Klimt to Chihuly, the works of many famous artists are featured. The book is divided into four kinds of ceilings: those made for religion, culture, power, or politics, although of course there is some overlap on those categories! The artworks are located everywhere from Las Vegas to Japan, although the majority do seem to come from Italy, France, and Turkey.

From a technical standpoint, the works are beautifully photographed, allowing you to appreciate the natural lighting conditions while still seeing all the amazing detail of the art. This would be a lovely gift for a travel buff or art lover.

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This a beautifully designed book, with amazing art and informative commentary.

I do find this a bit difficult to rate though.
The book should be found on a coffee table, and flipped through when chance decides, taking in the beauty and respective information as and when curiosity demands. Or perhaps as a travel companion, possibly referenced before a trip (might be a bit hefty to lug with you). Lastly it’s target market seems to be ‘extreme’ art history enthusiasts and not just casual appreciators of art (at least that is my opinion after finding myself continually reading sentences that had references and descriptions that were definitely beyond my level of appreciation). Most importantly, it needs to be enjoyed in its physical form as the digital equivalent does not do it justice.

Thank you NetGalley and White Lion Publishing for a review copy.

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A very informative book with such beautiful photos! It was interesting to learn more about such famous sites, and add more to my list to see.

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Do you look up when you are inside? This book has made me think more about viewing the ceilings wherever I go. There is so much to see there; sometimes the sights are beautiful, sometimes they may be symbolic or there to make a point.

This excellent volume begins by making the case for why one looks up. There are connections to the celestial, and definitely to religion in many instances. The reader learns that ceilings make statements whether they are religious, political or a reflection of power or culture. Each of these areas has its own section in this lavishly photographed and informative title. Just a few of the sites that are included are The Vatican Palace, the Imam Mosque, the Louvre, the subway stations of Stockholm, Blenheim Palace and the U.S. Capitol.

I learned a lot while reading this book. I enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world and learning more about different cultures based on what they hope to inspire in those who visit their sites.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

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A really distinctive art appreciation book, for we're forever looking up – at the more noted and artistic ceilings of our culture. Made of glass or concrete, showing endless trompe l'oeil putti or the abstract godly nothingness of the Islamic, they are all varied, and they all have a great effect on the witness to them way below at ground level. (And if they don't, it's because they're actually at ground level and we're way beneath that.) Lovely illustrations prove that all these are well worth a look in real life, and in fact some of the accompanying essays are too brief and introductory, meaning that yes, you will want to put these ceilings on your bucket list. Still, itchy feet regardless, and knowing of no other similar book, this really does do very well for now. If anything I wanted some of the architecture to be included – what for a magnificent domed decoration without the dome itself – but the balance of the book, solely in favour of the symbolism and history of the art, is still greatly interesting. Four and a half stars.

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The Art of Looking Up is a truly incredible book whether you are a lover of art or not. It is broken into four main parts, religion, culture, power, and politics. Within each part you will see some of the most amazing painted ceilings from all over the world. For each one the author discusses the symbolism of the art and its role throughout history. The photography of the artwork is simply stunning! I'd tell you my favourite one, but there are just too many that I love to choose from. No need to travel the world to see these famous ceilings. From the intricate patterns in the Imam Mosque, to Michelangelo's ceiling in the Vatican Palace, to the awe inspiring Tuluca Botanical Gardens in Mexico, this book brings them right into your home. Simply amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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An interesting take on art, showing views of ceilings of famous buildings. The narrative focuses on different aspects behind the art such as politics and religion. The photography is excellent. Would be a nice hostess gift or coffee table book.

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I'm a klutz. Because of that I keep my eyes lowered to avoid embarrassing falls. This absolutely glorious book shows me how much beauty I potentially miss.
Way back when, a great deal of pride and thought was given to erecting buildings. There weren't 'cookie cutter' edifices on every corner. Artwork was deliberate and often difficult as painting ceilings is painstakingly hard work.
I found myself swooning over the gorgeous photography throughout the book. That, in itself, must have been quite a task.
This is a book that's ideal for artists or people who long to be reminded of the beauty that still exists from days gone by.
Oh, and although I will always be a klutz - this book has me looking upward more frequently.
Buy this, borrow it from your library, but definitely lose yourself within the pages of this one, even if for a brief time.

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There is a saying that human beings, as a whole, tend to not look up when going about their everyday life. Which is a shame, when you think about some of the world's masterpieces and how they were formed on high and beautiful ceilings.
The Art of Looking Up is a collection of photographs featuring the artwork in such places. This book covers forty different ceilings, from all parts of the world and covering all subject matter. This was perhaps the most comprehensive collection I've seen so far. And it was a stunning collection at that.
I especially enjoyed the organization system behind The Art of Looking Up. It's split into four main parts: religion, culture, power, and politics. It was actually interesting, in a way, to see what pieces made it into which category. It was helpful to see each of these groupings, as it allowed me to get into the right mindset for each artstyle and focus. It was elegantly done.
There was so much to be impressed about, in this book. The amount of effort it must have taken to research each and every piece, for example. And then there's the fact that it can't be easy to photograph such massive pieces. But that's what they did, and excellently so. The Art of Looking Up featured some amazing photographs, giving readers a full view of the artwork being discussed. It was, simply put, striking and enlightening.

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Abeautiful walk through art pieces that don't get the hype they should. Peinting ceilings was one of the most dangerous jobs back in the day and the fact that the artists managed this masterpieces is amazing. The book does a great job in showcasing the pieces

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