Major Works:
* The Analogy of Painting: (1993) Explores the relationship between painting and language in Renaissance art.
* The Gaze of the Other: Painting and the Subject in the Renaissance: (1993) Examines the construction of the subject in Renaissance portraits, focusing on the complex interplay of gaze and perspective.
* The Painting of Bodies in the Renaissance: (1994) Explores the evolution of the representation of the human body in Renaissance painting.
* Michelangelo: The Sistine Chapel: (1998) This masterpiece is a detailed analysis of the iconic frescoes, analyzing their composition, symbolism, and historical context.
* The Garden of Earthly Delights: A Reading of Hieronymus Bosch: (2001) A comprehensive study of Bosch's famous triptych, revealing its hidden meanings and allegorical dimensions.
* The Making of a Renaissance: From the Florentine Painting of the Trecento to the Venetian Painting of the Cinquecento: (2003) This book examines the transition from the Florentine to the Venetian Renaissance, highlighting the key developments in artistic style and thought.
* The Florentine Tapestry: The Medici, the Artists and the French King: (2009) This book examines the complex relationship between the Medici family, Florentine artists, and the French kings in the context of tapestry production.
Other Notable Works:
* L'Homme en Perspective: Essai sur la théorie et l'histoire de la perspective (1982)
* L'Atelier de l'artiste: Pour une histoire de la peinture occidentale (1989)
* Le corps du peintre: Essais sur l'art et la chair (2002)
* Le Roman de la peinture: Figures et fables (2006)
Arasse's work is characterized by his meticulous scholarship, his willingness to challenge conventional interpretations, and his ability to weave together art history, literature, philosophy, and cultural history.
Beyond these works, he also published numerous essays and articles on Renaissance art, particularly on artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Hieronymus Bosch. He was a highly respected figure in the field and his books remain essential reading for anyone interested in Renaissance art and visual culture.