Product Description

ART, the ultimate visual guide to 2,000 of the world's most revered paintings and sculptures, begins with a short section on how to look at paintings and sculpture, explaining the simple steps of formal analysis that swiftly become automatic and greatly increase and inform your enjoyment of art. The main part of the book is a 540-page chronological look at more than 700 artists. This section is subdivided into the main periods of art history with introductions to each period or art movement that explain the key elements and influences of the time. With several paintings by each major artist, this section is a joy to dip into or study in more depth. Key paintings are examined in detail to help you understand the artist's intentions, style, and method. Thematic galleries are interspersed, showing how artists from different periods and places treat the same subject matter, such as landscape, nudes, or animals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16066 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 612 pages

From Booklist
What must a big book of art contain to make it a great big book of art? Many color reproductions, including close-ups. A fluid mix of art history and interpretation set against the larger panorama of world history. Lots of brief artist bios. Clear and concise explanations of media, techniques, aesthetics, styles, and intent. A sense of continuity and stories of radical departures and infamous scandals. Works and artists the reader has never encountered before. A jump-starting foreword by an eloquent art historian, such as Ross King, who opens this exemplary volume, one that surpasses all the criteria above, by declaring, “Great art, more than anything else, is the benchmark of human achievement.” From the genuinely informative introductory primer, “Looking at Art,” to in-depth scrutiny of seminal works to overviews of universal and timeless themes, and a phenomenal array of artists past and present, this grand and exciting survey of the art of Europe and the U.S. with forays into Africa, Asia, India, South America, and Australia, should be the anchor for art collections of all sizes. --Donna Seaman

Review
"From the genuinely informative introductory primer, 'Looking at Art,' to in-depth scrutiny of seminal works to overviews of universal and timeless themes, and a phenomenal array of artists past and present, this grand and exciting survey of the art of Europe and the U.S. with forays into Africa, Asia, India, South America, and Australia, should be the anchor for art collections of all sizes." --Booklist, December 2008

"ART is a standout book for any student or aficionado, a volume [Ross] King aptly describes as 'an admirable feat and a true joy.'" --BookPage, November, 2008

Chock-full of gorgeous color reproductions and images, helpful timelines, detailed close-ups, artists biographies, and with histories and explanations written in clear, concise prose, ART is a standout book for any student or aficionado, a volume [Ross] King aptly describes as an admirable feat and a true joy. --BookPage

Customer Reviews

A Gorgeous Compendium
We were impressed by Phaidon's '30,000 years of art'. Then our colleague brought this DK publication to our attention. WOW! DK known for their quick summary books and children education material went world class with this tome. A large handsome book which definitively covers the span of art from cave works to contemporary.

A beginning section details how artists use different means and media to bring their inspirations to fruition.

Then the bulk of the book presents each artistic movement - from renaissance to impressionism to pop and abstract (and so much more). Techniques, styles, influences. Interesting anectdotes and stories along with characteristics of individual themes.

We enjoyed the accompanying graphics, comparasins, overlays, and detailed close-ups.

More than 2500 beautifully reproduced works by more than 700 artists in all the different media.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" (Picasso).... Indeed this book shall refresh you after a grey listless day malaise.

A very accessible and engaging comprehensive book.. . . ... An art joy not to be passed up! An essential global gallery for your art book collection.

Great book, bargain price
This book is a great comprehensive compilation spanning over every major period in art throughout the world. Though mostly illustrative it provides a decent amount of interesting information on individual artists, styles, and selected works of art. A few of the most famous paintings are specially featured and looked at in depth both artistically and historically. The price is fantastic for such a beautiful and resourceful book.

A visual delight!
The title says it all. This book is a visual treat. It covers art from the prehistoric age to contemporary pieces. Although it's is billed as a visual guide, background information about the time periods and artistic movements are given throughout. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in art. It's a stunning compilation! The Amazon price is also a bonus. I've seen this book priced as high as $50 on other sites as well as retail book stores.