"Mysteries of the Rectangle: Essays on Painting" is a collection of insightful essays by the esteemed art critic James Elkins, focusing on the significance and interpretation of rectangular forms in painting. Elkins delves into the way these shapes frame not only artworks but also the viewing experience itself, revealing how rectangles can influence perception and meaning in art. His exploration is both theoretical and practical, offering a rich tapestry of ideas that challenge conventional viewpoints on visual representation.