David Hockneyas controversial book, now revised in paperback with thirty-two new pages of evidence Join one of the most influential artists of our time as he investigates the painting techniques of the Old Masters. Hockneyas extensive research led him to conclude that artists such as Caravaggio, VelAzquez, da Vinci, and other hyperrealists actually used optics and lenses to create their masterpieces. In this passionate yet pithy book, Hockney takes readers on a journey of discovery as he builds a case that mirrors and lenses were used by the great masters to create their highly detailed and realistic paintings and drawings. Hundreds of the best-known and best-loved paintings are reproduced alongside his straightforward analysis. Hockney also includes his own photographs and drawings to illustrate techniques used to capture such accurate likenesses. Extracts from historical and modern documents and correspondence with experts from around the world further illuminate this thought-provoking book that will forever change how the world looks at art. "Secret Knowledge" will open your eyes to how we perceive the world and how we choose to represent it.

霍克尼（David Hockney,1937- ）,当今国际画坛最具影响力的大师之一。他1937年生于英国。1953年进入布雷德福艺术学院学习绘画两年,尔后进入伦敦皇家艺术学院学习,并获该院金勒斯奖,1966年在克斯明画廊举办个人画展。受现代主义思潮影响,创作了大量腐蚀 版画,其中《浪子的历程》最为杰出,受到艺术界的重视。20世纪60年代多次到美国旅行,开始转向写实风格。代表作《克利斯多夫·伊修伍德和唐·巴查笛》和《克拉克夫妇俩》,含有深刻的哲理,使人回味无穷。

霍克尼能画会写,是画家兼理论家的双重身份。在最新出版的《隐密的知识》(Secret Knowledge)一书中,他告诉读者们,文艺复兴时代众多宗师的作品画得那么好,原来后面深藏着许多不为人知的“隐秘”。达芬奇、拉斐尔、安格尔画得好,是因为当时有了一种原理有如透视镜的科学装置来暗助临摹,要是掌握到这门秘密的光学知识,工欲善其事,必先利其器,谁能捷足先登,谁就称王。他也认为,荷兰画家伦布朗从中国陶瓷的彩釉获得了创作的灵感。如此大胆言论,马上造成艺术界的沸然大波,理论家甚至骂他是：“诋毁西方最伟大艺术家的疯子”。为此,英国广播公司还引经据典,为他制作了一个75分钟的长篇纪录片。

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