The Art of the Occult

If you're someone who is even slightly interested in the interconnection of artistic and magical practices, this is an incredible book for you. The information is nuanced but approachable for anyone. the art depicted inside ranges from more well-known artists to some that I'd never encountered before. I think the discussions about different areas of the occult that tie to artistic movements are fascinating and well researched. This is a super interesting and inspiring book that I'll be referencing for my own work in the future!

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion for a temporary digital edition via NetGalley of ‘The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic’ by S. Elizabeth in exchange for an honest review. I have since ordered its hardback edition.

I felt that S. Elizabeth brought together a very exciting collection. It is a lavish book containing reproductions of artworks representing a variety of esoteric and occult subjects.

Accompanying the art S. Elizabeth has written an informative Introduction and twelve thematic chapters grouped under three categories: The Cosmos, Higher Beings, and Practitioners.

I was impressed with the range of artists included. I was already familiar with many of these including classic artists such as Goya and Dürer, the Pre-Raphaelites, modern abstract artists such as Mondrian and Kandinsky, and many Surrealists. However, quite a few of the more recent artists were unknown to me and I found their work inspiring.

It’s a book that is likely to appeal to art lovers as well as those interested in the occult. S. Elizabeth also includes suggestions for further reading, an index and of course picture credits.

Overall, a cornucopia of occult images and ideas. It’s a book that I am delighted to add to my library.

Well, this has been an interesting journey!

I approached this book with curiosity, not knowing exactly what I would find inside. This is a collection of art work full on occult or inspired by different facets of the occult world and thought. This is by no means a dictionary or a glossary but a curation of visual art pieces who represent various aspects of the occult thought, from ancient pages to contemporary paintings.

It's a great gift for people interested in this subject, it's a great conversation and research starter. I particularly liked the last artwork chosen, such a perfect mix of modern life and ancient traditions we bring into our every day life in different degrees. Just what this book seems to convey.

An interesting read for sure, and not something I would've normally read. I enjoyed looking through all the mysterious artworks, and reading about the history of an obscure subject.