First published in the 1960s, the text applies the findings of experimental science to the understanding of art and in tackling complex ideas and theoretical issues, Gombrich is rigorous; yet he always retains a sense of wonder at the inexhaustible capacity of the human brain, and at the subtlety of the relationships involved in seeing the world and in making and seeing art. With deep knowledge and his exceptional gift for clear exposition, he advances arguments as hypotheses to be tested. The problems of representation are fundamental to the history of art and this volume should be a crucial text for anyone interested in understanding art. For the 6th edition Professor Gombrich wrote a 12-page preface in which he makes use of the distinction between an image and a sign in order to clarify his intentions in writing the book.