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Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters

"Secret Knowledge" is a great read and a fascinating revaluation of past artistic techniques. The way the book slowly builds up visual evidence (with excellent reproductions) to present the case for the use of optics is very convincing. While reading the book, I was concerned that only paintings that supported Hockney's conclusions were presented.

However, since this book was published in 2001, there has been plenty of time for art historians to refute Hockney's conclusions. I expected reasonable arguments against the evidence presented in the book. Instead, all of the "optics theory" critics I could find on the Internet presented only shrill denunciations of Hockney. The author is berated for daring to question the skills of the artists that would make them resort to using optical technology. I found only the most meager and unconvincing challenge to the actual evidence.

I think most people recognize that if Hockney's thesis is correct, much of the aura of these past masters dissolves in the eye of the general public. While any painter recognizes the tremendous skill involved in producing these works (even with optic help), I believe the public would tend to see these masters as mere copyists. I believe that's the reason for the vehemence and bile directed at Mr. Hockney.

If you're an artist, be sure to pick up this book. It is amazingly helpful in application of many of these techniques to your own work. It also shows you how to avoid some of the pitfalls that provide the visual evidence of the use of optics. If you're curious about art history, this is also a must-have.