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Art: A World History

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Art attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self.
- Jean-Luc Godard

If you are interested in following the evolution of art through the ages, you will find this to be lavish and comprehensive. The book begins with a question. "What is Art Today?"

Erich Steingraber explains how we can no longer answer this question unequivocally. Art has undergone a radical change from art in the past. This guide explores all these aspects and shows the changes, page by page.

Features Include:

2,200 Color Illustrations, photographs and drawings
World History of Art
Everything from Prehistoric cave paintings to Post-Modernism and Present-Day computer art
A Chronological Overview in each chapter
Significant Movements in Art
Analyses of key works
Insight into artist techniques

Contents:

1. Prehistoric and Ancient Art

In this section there is a chart of old world Neolithic ceramic forms. Then you can find pictures of Egyptian jewelry and discussions about famous tombart. In the Hellenic and Italic Civilizations you will find page after page of Greek and Italic Art. The elongated figures in some pictures look like modern art and strangely do look similar to figures sculpted by the 20th century Italian sculptor Giacometti. The authors explain why temple architecture in Italy developed differently from Greek architecture. I was fascinated by the "Nile Landscape" on page 92 because I love mosaics. If you have been to the Louvre, Paris, you will recognize "The Victory of Samothrace."

2. The Ancient World from the Roman Empire to the Fourth Crusade

Then you can delve into the rather serious art of the Roman Empire. Barbarian Art? Yes, but it is only loosely describing a broad range of people and art styles that existed alongside the "civilized" cultures of the Mediterranean, China and the Near East.

Byzantine Art, Persian & Islamic Art, India and the Far East and the Classical Art of sub-Saharan Africa complete this section. I enjoyed seeing the intricacy of the "rock crystal jug with bird decoration and inscription" from AD992. The transparent and colorless quartz was one of the most sought-after semiprecious materials and you will realize why.

3. From the Great Cities of Europe to the Four Corners of the World

This section really brought back memories. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is probably the most beautiful cathedral I've ever visited. They have a full-color picture on more than half a page. It is truly even more magnificent when you see it in person.

In the Early Renaissance and High Renaissance they feature:

Andrea Mantegna: "Oculus of the Camera Picta" - 1473; fresco. Detailed analyses is included with a variety of close-up "shots."

Michelangelo: "Creation of Adam" from the vault of the Sistine Chapel

In the 17th Century: The Age of Spectacle we find pictures of Giuseppe Arcimboldo's art. This section really focuses more on sculpture and architecture.

The Splendors of the 18th Century includes a delightful array of tapestry from the Palace of Versailles and Musee du Louvre, Paris.

The art of Asia is in such contrast with zen gardens and painted scrolls depicting fierce deities.

Pre-Columbian Art has a small section and focuses more on vases, temples, goldwork. and pyramids.

4. Art, Commerce & Industry

Neoclassicism - inspired by the excavations of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Romanticism - You have to see the exquisite piece called "Morning" by German artist Philipp Otto Runge who took refuge in the myth of childhood.

Orientalism - After the British expansion in India, curiosity about these lands influenced European taste and we see elements of the exotic permeating trends in literature, music and the visual arts throughout the 19th century.

Official Art

This was the name given to a style of paintings that flourished in Europe in the second half of the 19th century. They feature:
The Birth of Venus, 1862
Flaming June
The Death of Cleopatra, 1874

The Creation of the Metropolis

This chapter will make you want to go traveling just to see this architecture in person. Pleasure Gardens, castles and bridges are featured.

Art, Technology & Industry - focuses on printing and photographic techniques.

Furnishings & Fashions - One of my favorite chapters as they include pictures of the interior of castles and a picture of Neuschwanstein Castle.

The European Influence - Artistic styles were imitated and adapted in the colonies. Explanations of Theatre design, architecture, American Classicism and Tiffany Glass.

5. A Crisis of Tradition & The Birthplace of Contemporary Art

The Birth of Realism - Sunlight streams into some of these pictures and yet some show the contrast in the harsh realities of life.

The Impressionists - Claude Monet and Renoir. Art reaches a delicate beauty.

Post-Impressionism - Exquisite paintings by Gustave Moreau
The Modern Style - Detailed information about Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss"
Edvard Munch really worries me, but who could forget "The Scream."

Artistic Cultures of sub-Saharan Africa - Statues
Artistic Cultures of the Pacific - Statues

6. Art of the 20th Century

Expressionism & Fauvism
The Great Avant-garde Movements
The New Architecture
Art & Politics
Art in the Postwar Period
The New Avant-garde & Postmodernism
Architecture in the Second Half of the 20th Century

Toward a New Century - Computer art, fashion, consumer goods, publicity, architecture and movies

"This is not a cold, scholarly history of art. What we are trying to do is to share with the reader our love of art, to reflect on its past splendor, its present vitality, and its future potential." -Art, A World History

I think they succeeded. I was mesmerized for hours!

~The Rebecca Review

I was given this book as a gift by a friend who knew I was interested in learning more about art. It is a wonderful, overall introduction to the subject. It is easy and interesting reading with 1000's of pictures. I enjoy it in short segments when I wish to be taken to another place.

If you could only own one book about art, this book should be it. The reproductions are true, the writing insightful, and the coverage extensive. All significant periods in art history are covered, including non-western, and the book is more than just about art, but about history, as well. I found some fascinating tidbits that I didn't know before: the Emporer Claudius proposed to the Roman Senate that Christianity be officially recognized (the Senate refused); the Chinese practiced a form of Cubism centuries before Picasso and Braque; archeologists date the arrival of Christianity in areas by how the dead were buried (all pretty cool stuff). This is one of those books that is worth rereading with the expectation of greater enjoyment the second time around.

It's a great book. Stop reaidng this and buy it! :)