A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer Screen
SKU: 79667962226

A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer Screen

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A History of Pictures: From the Cave to the Computer ScreenA picture, says David Hockney, is the only way that we can give an account of what we see. But all picture makers face a common problem: how to compress three dimensional people, things and places onto a flat surface? The results are often pigeonholed as paintings, photographs or films. Alternatively, they may be sorted by date and style: medieval, Renaissance or baroque. In fact, Hockney argues, whether they are made by brush, camera or digital

A picture, says David Hockney, is the only way that we can give an account of what we see. But all picture-makers face a common problem: how to compress three-dimensional people, things and places onto a flat surface? The results are often pigeonholed as paintings, photographs or films. Alternatively, they may be sorted by date and style: medieval, Renaissance or baroque. In fact, Hockney argues, whether they are made by brush, camera or digital program, and no matter if they are on cave walls or computer screens, first and foremost they are all pictures. And for us to understand how we see the world around us - and hence ourselves - what is needed is a history of pictures. This is that book.

Informed and energized by a lifetime of painting, drawing and making images with cameras, Hockney, in collaboration with the art critic Martin Gayford, explores how and why pictures have been made across the millennia. What makes marks on a flat surface interesting? How do you show movement in a still picture, and how, conversely, do films and television connect with old masters? What are the ways in which time and space can be condensed into a static image on a canvas or screen? What do pictures show - truth or lies? Do photographs present the world as we experience it?

Juxtaposing a rich variety of images - a still from a Disney cartoon with a Japanese woodblock print by Hiroshige, a scene from an Eisenstein film with a Velázquez painting - the authors cross the normal boundaries between high culture and popular entertainment, and make unexpected connections across time and media. Building on Hockney's groundbreaking book Secret Knowledge, they argue that film, photography, painting and drawing are deeply interconnected. Insightful and thought-provoking, A History of Pictures is an important contribution to our appreciation of how we represent our reality.

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SKU: 79667962226

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mark
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Awesome watch!
Color: Luminous watch black face, Color: Luminous watch black face
My absolute favorite watch. Great fit and holds up to wear and tear. Looks great!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2026
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Aiylaha Johnson
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice quality for a good price
Color: Luminous watch black face
Bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas. He loves it! Nice coloring, looks like the pictures. Fits nicely and comfortably once the size was adjusted. He did have some difficulty in sizing it - the little tool provided could’ve been of better quality to make this process easier but it did the job.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2026
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Bobby
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 3
3/5 Stars – Looks far more expensive than it is
Color: Luminous watch black face, Color: Luminous watch black face
The OLEVS 5885 is about what you’d expect from a ~$30 watch, but in a good way. I bought it knowing it wasn’t going to compete with higher-end brands, and with that expectation in mind I’ve actually been pretty impressed. The biggest standout is the appearance. This watch looks far nicer than its price point would suggest. I get compliments on it fairly regularly from both friends and random people who assume it cost much more than it did. If you’re looking for something stylish on a budget, it definitely delivers in that department. Functionally, it does its job well enough. It keeps time reliably and hasn’t given me any real issues there. The glass/crystal is also surprisingly durable. I’ve worn this watch quite a bit, and while the rest of the case and bezel have picked up scratches over time, the face itself has held up extremely well. Another pleasant surprise is the bezel. It’s functional and unidirectional, with strong, clear, tactile clicks. It feels solid and hasn’t loosened up with use. That said, the cheaper elements do show up if you look closely. The bezel markings are pretty cheap and scratch easily. Also, the small lume marker at the 12:00 position on the bezel fell out during the second week of owning the watch. Overall though, I’m quite happy with it. For the price, it looks much more high-end than it really is, and I can comfortably use it as an everyday tool watch without worrying about babying it like a luxury piece.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
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Lou from Virginia Beach
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Good cheap watch. Watch band could be better
Color: Luminous watch black face
The timepiece itself is use of decent quality and is perfectly acceptable for everyday use. I'm pretty rough on my watches and this watch fits the bill as I go about my daily routine. It keeps good time and has a good looking face. It seems many have trouble with the watch band sizing. The arrows on the inside of the watch band show the direction the pins should be pushed out. The pins stick out ever so slightly on one side or the other of the watch band giving the band a rough feel. I used a soft nail file and polished the pins smooth. The watch band feels much better afterwards. I would buy it again and recommend the watch to anyone looking for a cheap timepiece.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
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Raiders
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
OLEVS divers watch in stainless steel
Color: Luminous watch black face
Never owned a divers watch and especially not one by Olevs. Glad I bought it great quality and price looks great too.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2026

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