An accessible and hugely popular history of art explained through many of the world''s most famous masterpieces. Written by an international team of artists, art historians and curators, this absorbing and beautiful book gives readers unparalleled insights into the world''s most iconic artworks. Art: The Whole Story traces the development of art period by period, with the illustrated text covering every genre, from painting and sculpture to conceptual art and performance art. Cultural timelines are there too, to help to the reader with historical context. Masterpieces that epitomize each period or movement are highlighted and analysed in detail. Everything from use of colour and visual metaphors to technical innovations is explained, enabling you to interpret the meanings of world-famous masterpieces - Mughal miniatures; Japanese prints in the 19th century; the colour theories behind Seurat''s remarkable La Grande Jatte ; and why Picasso''s Les Demoiselles d''Avignon was so shocking in its day.

Autorentext

Stephen Farthing is a painter and was the Rootstein Hopkins research professor of drawing at the University of the Arts, London from 2004 to 2017. He is the general editor of 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die.

Klappentext

Art: The Whole Story traces the evolution of artistic development period by period right up to the present day, with the illustrated text covering every genre of art, from painting and sculpture to conceptual art and performance. Cultural timelines help the reader with historical context.

• One of the most accessible histories of world art ever assembled.
• Features more than 1,100 color illustrations of iconic pieces.
• Written by an expert international team of artists, art historians, and curators.
• Designed in an easily navigable, user-friendly fashion.