The Fine Art of Life

A visit to a museum can be an intimidating experience, but Daphne Maxwell Reid shows us that viewing works of art can be as natural as looking at the everyday world around us. Focusing on a variety of media--paintings, sculpture, jewelry, scrolls, decorative objects--she points out that works of various times and styles and cultures can express similar themes and speak to us on a number of levels. Although the collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are celebrated here, this skillfully produced overview of world art provides an effective introduction to the museum experience, in general, and can enhance the enjoyment of more experienced viewers at any institution. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Reed)