Art: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Definitive Cultural Histories)

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I am newly studying art and reading this gave me a decent overview and some ideas for time periods and cultures that I want to study further. Not surprising and obviously there's space reasons for not going too wide but still it's a big omission.

Created in collaboration with Bridgeman, the biggest art library in the world, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a must-have for your bookshelf. He has written a number of acclaimed books, on subjects ranging from medieval painting and sculpture to the art of the present, including Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide, and Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel. Picture-packed pages help you to identify the characteristics of each artist’s work, and follow how it changed through his or her lifetime. If you ever just feel the need to look at art, this is the book to pick up; the photography is crisp and the art chosen is encyclopedic in its range. The book also discusses the different Art movements that came about and dominated European- and Asian-thoughts in the processes of their paintings, such as the well known ones like Gothic; Romanesque; Renaissance, and; Baroque, and perhaps the less well known ones such as Mannerism; Fauvism; Rococo, and; Neoclassicism.He has presented six landmark series on art for the BBC, including the acclaimed A History of British Art, Renaissance, and Art of Eternity, as well as numerous individual documentaries on art and artists. A visual timeline of key works gives an overview of the scope of each major movement, and each era and art movement is introduced with key information, placing art in the context of its time. Spanning 30,000 years, from cave paintings to contemporary art, this stunning chronological exploration of every major artistic movement introduces the major milestones of each period, from the tomb paintings of Ancient Egypt, Qing Dynasty Chinese art, through to 20th century Cubism and African art today. It also looks at cultures around the world but there is a focus on the West (which may disappoint some people). But one thing that struck me is this "primitivist" (garbage label, especially to describe a trained artist who "imitates" "primitive" art) who had a 14 year old Tahitian "mistress" who he painted in a sexual way and they didn't pass comment on it at all, just acted as if that's totally ok.

colour illusts, very good hardback with decorated boards (no dustwraper as issued) This is a heavy book so expect extra freight charges.Art: The Definitive Visual Guide brings a gallery of more than 2,500 of the world's finest paintings and sculptures into your home. He has written a number of books on subjects ranging from medieval painting and sculpture, to contemporary art. Interspersed through the book, double-page features show how different artists have approached the same popular themes. It can be used as an effective teaching tool for the Art student, or as an occasional page-flicker on the coffee table for the less inclined.

Featuring examples of the world's most celebrated, influential, and iconic artworks, this beautiful volume brings a gallery into your home where you can learn everything you need to know about art and artists. Dedicated spreads explain how art works, for example introducing how artists use colour and composition. Collaborating with Bridgeman Art Library, the world’s most comprehensive source of culture and historical art images, Art brings the world’s best images into your home.A lot of this is just normal stuff really and I'm only complaining cause I'm critical of a lot of these mainstream ideas. Be inspired by the detail of each subject matter and methods each artist used to create their masterpieces, and explore centuries, cultures, and countries on the ultimate artistic journey across time. An invaluable reference book for any art lover, it showcases the works; everything from Italian baroque painting and African art to contemporary art history.

When you claim to be the "definitive visual guide" of art itself there is always going to be room to point out where such-and-such a thing wasn't included. I think this is the biggest flaw, although one that'd be hard to rectify easily given what the book is trying to do. Explore the pages of this awe-inspiring art history book to discover: - Over 2500 of the world's most influential paintings and sculptures. Discover key facts about the most prominent artistic movements, including their origins and influences, and follow a timeline of the most famous works.Note to parents: As with any art book, you will want to examine this before sharing with your kids, if you are concerned about exposing your children to nudity. This book is not a specialized look at one particular period or a handful of canonized artists, but devotes a good amount of space to artists we are not as familiar with, placed in context with other artists and works we are more familiar with. Linger over 8,000 stunning works from 700 artists and explore the major milestones, from cave paintings to modern masterpieces. I'll also note that the modern art descriptions and stuff are often absolutely laughable but tbh I hate a lot of the modern art stuff they have in this book so I guess I would say that. Each artistic movement — from the Italian Renaissance to Impressionism and Pop Art — is clearly explained, alongside its origins and influences, styles and techniques, and typical subject matter.