The Painted Panorama

Drawing on extensive research, Comment, a cultural critic, brings to life both the reality and the significance of painted panoramas: the artists (often collaborative teams whose goal was perfect illusionism), the installations (specially built rotundas and tents), the subjects (cityscapes, vistas, battles, and religious tableaus, among others), and the meanings (panoramas as propaganda, advertising, substitutes for experience, and forerunners of cinema) of these amazing works of art.

210 illustrations, 120 in full color, 7 double gatefolds, 10 3/4 x 8 5/8"

BERNARD COMMENT is the award-winning author of several books published in France, including a study of Roland Barthes.