This beautifully presented text tells the story of western art in its historical and cultural context. A History of Western Art introduces your students to the major periods, artists, and artistic styles as they evolved over time. Your students will gain an in-depth understanding of important historical developments by focusing on fewer works in greater detail. "I like the clarity and organization of the historical progressions, the inserts, plates, and maps. " - Joan V. Messenger, Miramar College " A survey is the most difficult kind of textbook to write and I think the author's achievement is very good. The text is accessible to the novice without being condescending. The complexity of successive periods in the history of art is introduced clearly and concisely - the introductory chapters on the formal elements of art are especially useful." - Michael Gur, Dickinson College
Whilst this is obviously a textbook, and you have to be a bit of a nerd to read it when not doing the subject, I actually enjoyed it! Basically a multi millennia review of the story of art, from its earliest origins in cave paintings, (though I was disappointed that rock art in the NW of WA did not get a mention) through to the present day. Gave me a very strong sense of its development and how everything fits into the long development of painting, sculpture and architecture, to give sense to what we see today. as such it will have changed and allowed an (I suspect very superficial) analysis of everything I see from now on!
A lucid, comprehensive introduction to Western Art History. The gorgeous large reproductions of the paintings accompanied by the empirical observations of the works trained my eye well.
I wish more text was spent synthesizing rather than describing things. I've seen it being done in other sources much better.
Suck it, H.W. Janson. Schneider Adams is just a little bit more preferable to me even though you are still the standard text for all into Art History courses.