John Charles Van Dyke

John Charles Van Dyke
John Charles Van Dyke (1856–1932) was an American art historian, critic, and nature writer. He is best known for his book "The Desert," in which he vividly describes the American desert landscape, presenting it as a place of beauty rather than desolation. Van Dyke also wrote extensively on art, including works like "The History of Painting," which provided accessible art history for general readers. His writing combined scholarly insights with a poetic appreciation for both nature and art.

Author's Books:


INTRODUCTION. The origin of painting is unknown. The first important records of this art are met with in Egypt; but before the Egyptian civilization the men of the early ages probably used color in ornamentation and decoration, and they certainly scratched the outlines of men and animals upon bone and slate. Traces of this rude primitive work still remain to us on the pottery, weapons, and stone... more...