There are three good reasons for publishing a book on dolphins in art at
this moment. First, there has never been an art book devoted to these
beautiful and intelligent animals. Second, they have figured in Western
iconography for more than two thousand years as religious and political
symbols and as paradigms of grace. And third, sixty years ago they were
adopted as the logo of Thames & Hudson.
The result is an endearing volume that combines charm, intellectual
scholarship, and serious art history.
Charles Avery is a specialist in European sculpture, particularly
Italian, French, English and Flemish. He was Deputy Keeper of Sculpture
at the Victoria and Albert Museum and a Director of Christie's, and is
now an independent historian, consultant, writer, and lecturer.