The Snail's Gaze: Descriptions of the Non-Obvious (Vzglyad Ulitki)

In his short book, first published in 2000, Daniel Arasse (1944–2003), one of the most prominent French art historians of the second half of the 20th century, offers a close examination of several classic works of 16th- and 17th-century painting, including such iconic works as Titian's 'Venus of Urbino' and Velázquez's 'Las Meninas.' Written in the form of letters to a student, the book, written in a relaxed and engaging manner, demonstrates the profound significance that seemingly insignificant details can have in art, and the fruitfulness of an iconological approach with elements of semiotics.