The Story of Art

One can't help but be taken in by the eloquence and charm in Ernst Gombrich's writing—I am thinking especially of The Story of Art and Art and Illusion. But I, in my desire to dig under the words and reveal some greater, more profound theoretical truth, feel abashed—as if I were peeking over a hedge to look at something I shouldn't. In trying to build theory up, or perhaps reveal theory I hope is already there, I can't help but feel as if I am destroying the ephemeral joy and magical spell that Gombrich casts over a reader every time he or she picks up one of these books.