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Great Paintings: The World's Masterpieces Explored and Explained
A sumptuous, visual guided tour of 66 of the world's greatest paintings ranging from works by Zhang Zeduan, a 12-century Chinese master, to modern masterpieces by Rothko and Anselm Kiefer. "Great Paintings" is perfect for anyone interested in learning about the world's most noteworthy artworks.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 25, 2016
A book about art, explaining the meaning of 66 paintings. The selection contains everything from an old roll from 1100s, the Qingming roll, by the painter Zhang Zeduan, to modern art like Athanor, by Anselm Kiefer. The book gives you an historical and artistic perspective to the paintings.
The paintings that were most interesting were
Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo
The School of Athens by Rafael
Whistler’s Mother by James McNeill Whistler
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
The Arnolfini Marriage by Jan Van Eyck
Van Gogh’s Chair by Vincent van Gogh
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump by Joseph Wright of Derby
The Hay Wain by John constable,
Allegory of the Planets and Continents by Giambattista Tiepolo
Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
The Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali
Guernica by Pablo Picasso, Röd interiör, stilleben på blått bord by Henri Matisse
Autumn Rhythm by Jackson Pollock
Marilyn by Andy Warhol.
The mysterious atmosphere and the beginning of enlightment and science in An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. The mysterious mirror in The Arnolfini Marriage. The feeling of someone leaving you in Van Gogh’s Chair. The symbolic elements in The Metamorphosis of Narcissus and the surrealistic elements in Guernica. They all captured me and gave a new dimension to the paintings. However, I would have liked the book to have even more information and interpretations about motives, the time of the paintings, colors and meaning.
The paintings that were most interesting were
Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo
The School of Athens by Rafael
Whistler’s Mother by James McNeill Whistler
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
The Arnolfini Marriage by Jan Van Eyck
Van Gogh’s Chair by Vincent van Gogh
An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump by Joseph Wright of Derby
The Hay Wain by John constable,
Allegory of the Planets and Continents by Giambattista Tiepolo
Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
The Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali
Guernica by Pablo Picasso, Röd interiör, stilleben på blått bord by Henri Matisse
Autumn Rhythm by Jackson Pollock
Marilyn by Andy Warhol.
The mysterious atmosphere and the beginning of enlightment and science in An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. The mysterious mirror in The Arnolfini Marriage. The feeling of someone leaving you in Van Gogh’s Chair. The symbolic elements in The Metamorphosis of Narcissus and the surrealistic elements in Guernica. They all captured me and gave a new dimension to the paintings. However, I would have liked the book to have even more information and interpretations about motives, the time of the paintings, colors and meaning.
April 3, 2014
Bargain shelf coffee table books are, generally, pretty miss-or-miss-even-worse affairs. DK's "Great Paintings" hits the bullseye, pining the tail on the proverbial Mona Lisa.
"Great Paintings" finds the perfect ground between dense scholarly analysis and introductory simplicity.
Each period of art is represented with both well known and lesser but important works. Each work is then, literally, dissected and analyzed elegantly. The information appeals to both readers with no background in art theory or history, and those who have taken more than a couple university level courses on the subject. The scope of information is essentially perfect, the balance represented is thorough.
As someone with more than a passing familiarity with art I was excited that this book conveyed, in layman's terms and without airs, the small details of a piece of art's composition, history and context that make the field so exciting.
Highly recommended!
"Great Paintings" finds the perfect ground between dense scholarly analysis and introductory simplicity.
Each period of art is represented with both well known and lesser but important works. Each work is then, literally, dissected and analyzed elegantly. The information appeals to both readers with no background in art theory or history, and those who have taken more than a couple university level courses on the subject. The scope of information is essentially perfect, the balance represented is thorough.
As someone with more than a passing familiarity with art I was excited that this book conveyed, in layman's terms and without airs, the small details of a piece of art's composition, history and context that make the field so exciting.
Highly recommended!
May 9, 2017
I loved this book. It really breaks down famous paintings so someone like me can see what the artist may have actually been attempting to portray, besides the obvious.
Reminiscent of Eyewitness Books.
If there was a volume II of another set of great paintings, I'd surely pick it up.
Reminiscent of Eyewitness Books.
If there was a volume II of another set of great paintings, I'd surely pick it up.
July 20, 2012
awesome, brilliant book of art, a must as a coffee table book, or as a learning tool. glorious!
April 15, 2013
Will never look at paintings in the same way....serves as a nice introduction to novices such as me to this mysterious and wonderful world
August 13, 2013
Great review of the most important pieces of classic painting of our time.
March 21, 2020
A really good book that walks you through some of the great paintings (66 in all) that artists have made. I liked the way each painting was profiled and explained. I wish though they had more works of art.
The curation is mostly spot on with most famous artists and styles represented but there are few missing such as Edvard Munch (I thought "The Scream" should have been there in the list), Marc Chagall, Egon Schiele, Grant wood ("American Gothic" is an iconic painting with multiple cultural references), and Diego Rivera (though he gets a passing mention in Frida Kahlo's profile). Also, some of the painting choices were surprising for eg. Van Gogh should have been featured with his Irises or his self-portraits or Starry Night (one of my favorites and probably his best-known painting) but has one of his more obscure painting listed. Overall a decent book though.
The curation is mostly spot on with most famous artists and styles represented but there are few missing such as Edvard Munch (I thought "The Scream" should have been there in the list), Marc Chagall, Egon Schiele, Grant wood ("American Gothic" is an iconic painting with multiple cultural references), and Diego Rivera (though he gets a passing mention in Frida Kahlo's profile). Also, some of the painting choices were surprising for eg. Van Gogh should have been featured with his Irises or his self-portraits or Starry Night (one of my favorites and probably his best-known painting) but has one of his more obscure painting listed. Overall a decent book though.
April 28, 2022
I think this was an excellent introduction in the most important paintings through time for a beginner.
I did not have a hard time understanding the explanations and I simply found myself captivated by each part that made this whole study possible. Really enjoyed each separate section that took bits of the paintings and explained subtle hints or symbols that the naked eye or an inexperienced person might might miss.
Above all my favourite parts where those where the author explained mythology or history in such simple terms that I found myself remembering small details I never thought I would without extensive study. They were short and straight to the point without skipping over the most important elements that made those bits relevant to the painting.
I really liked the short explanations of relationships between painters or painters and other artists and I felt genuinely immersed when the author explained who certain figures were identified as in paintings. I personally would have never known or had enough time to even research them myself.
I think this is a wonderful book for anyone looking to get into art, perhaps trying to understand it a bit better without becoming easily overwhelmed. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to explore different artists and get to know the art world a little bit better.
I did not have a hard time understanding the explanations and I simply found myself captivated by each part that made this whole study possible. Really enjoyed each separate section that took bits of the paintings and explained subtle hints or symbols that the naked eye or an inexperienced person might might miss.
Above all my favourite parts where those where the author explained mythology or history in such simple terms that I found myself remembering small details I never thought I would without extensive study. They were short and straight to the point without skipping over the most important elements that made those bits relevant to the painting.
I really liked the short explanations of relationships between painters or painters and other artists and I felt genuinely immersed when the author explained who certain figures were identified as in paintings. I personally would have never known or had enough time to even research them myself.
I think this is a wonderful book for anyone looking to get into art, perhaps trying to understand it a bit better without becoming easily overwhelmed. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to explore different artists and get to know the art world a little bit better.
Read
June 10, 2020 I really only flipped through this book a few times before it went back to the library, but I wanted to make a note of it, in case I want to find this book again and come back to it. It seems like a really good way to experience a lot of famous (including only mildly famous) paintings, different art styles, and get some explanation about what's going on in them.
From just flipping through, there are, unsurprisingly, a number of nudes included, and also references to things like STD's and 'dissipation', so be prepared to answer some questions if you 're using this book to introduce children to art.
From just flipping through, there are, unsurprisingly, a number of nudes included, and also references to things like STD's and 'dissipation', so be prepared to answer some questions if you 're using this book to introduce children to art.
October 5, 2025
Nádherně sestavená, věcná, plná zajímavých informací a co považuji za zcela zásadní, nezapomíná na umění mimoevropské a americké proudy, zejména Asii, což je v těchto publikacích jinak zcela běžné nebo se tomu knihy věnují jen velmi okrajově. Za mě parádní čtení.
November 30, 2020
Not so deep and thorough analysis of the paintings reviewed.. But excellent introductory book to art.
December 1, 2019
کتابی درباره ی نقاشی های بزرگ، و نه معروف. به همین دلیل شاید نقاشی هایی که انتظارش رو دارید رو توش پیدا نکنید. متن کتاب کوتاه و صریحه و بیشتر با ارائه ی نقاشی ها با کیفیت بالا، خواننده رو تشویق می کنه که نقاشی ها رو خوب ببینه. تحلیل های خوبی هم از نظر ارائه ی جزئیات و هم از نظر هنری داره که برای افراد تازه کار می تونه مفید باشه
April 9, 2018
Excellent
June 18, 2018
Most of the female artists were given less space...there were few enough featured to begin with!
November 17, 2020
Organized chronologically, starting with a scroll by a 12th-century Chinese master, this book covers a lot of paintings, most of which are also famous, as well as being designated great. Several paintings and even artists are new to me, most especially the most recent 3: British artist Bridget Riley, Portuguese Paula Rego, and German Anselm Kiefer. Of the 66 paintings covered, most are from Europe or the Americas. I spotted 2 Chinese, 1 Japanese and 1 Mughal Indian among the rest.
You get a very brief biography of the artist, a short text about the painting and its history, and more about selected details within the painting. There is also a small depiction of the painting next to a standing manikin to show scale, though they also give the actual dimensions in American and metric measures (inches and centimeters). They give the date it was painted and the materials used, and the current location of the painting. Most artworks get 4 pages with the painting and the main text on the first double page spread, and the details on the following pages. A few get only one double page spread.
Paintings are organized by centuries: 1100-1500, 1500-1600, 1600-1700, 1700-1800, 1800-1900, 1900 to present. The book was published in 2011 and the last painting was done in 2007.
My favorites are probably The Great Piece of Turf by Albrecht Dürer, The Hay Wain by John Constable, and The Waterlily Pond by Claude Monet.
You get a very brief biography of the artist, a short text about the painting and its history, and more about selected details within the painting. There is also a small depiction of the painting next to a standing manikin to show scale, though they also give the actual dimensions in American and metric measures (inches and centimeters). They give the date it was painted and the materials used, and the current location of the painting. Most artworks get 4 pages with the painting and the main text on the first double page spread, and the details on the following pages. A few get only one double page spread.
Paintings are organized by centuries: 1100-1500, 1500-1600, 1600-1700, 1700-1800, 1800-1900, 1900 to present. The book was published in 2011 and the last painting was done in 2007.
My favorites are probably The Great Piece of Turf by Albrecht Dürer, The Hay Wain by John Constable, and The Waterlily Pond by Claude Monet.
October 30, 2018
Even if you just dabble in appreciating art you'll be amazed at what this 247-page book will bring to your attention, things you never saw as you glimpsed works by the world's masters. The 900-year range of the paintings is digestible a century at a time, giving you permission to take your time and flip back and forth between the original piece on one page or spread and the "visual tour," as it's called, which points out a handful or more of elements and brings understanding to meaning, give context to the work, or point out the artistry involve. What a good chance to go beyond what one ordinarily reads.
January 3, 2018
للتو انتهيت من قراءة كتاب “لوحات عظيمة" و هو كتاب باللغة الإنجليزية، تحدث الكتاب عن أعظم اللوح على مر التاريخ من العصر ما قبل النهضة إلى يومنا هذا. بالنسبة لي الكتاب كان عبارة عن رحلة فنية شيقة عدت فيها للوراء و اكتشفت فيها الكثير من اللوحات و عن رساميها و أساليب الرسم التي اتبعوها، جهلني الكتاب ابحث في الكثير من اللوح و بشكل أوسع، و بالفعل أبهمني كثيراً و زاد من معرفتي الفنية كهاوية للرسم و عاشقة للفنون، ووهو كتاب تعلمي تثقيفي عام من الدرجة الأولى
أعطيه ٥ من ٥ نجمات ✨ حيث أنني لو أجد فيه أي عيب
أعطيه ٥ من ٥ نجمات ✨ حيث أنني لو أجد فيه أي عيب
January 25, 2024
This is a valuable book that provides detailed explanations of 66 masterpiece paintings from around the world based on their historical background, along with gorgeous photographs.
You can enjoy masterpieces ranging from 1,100 years of religious paintings to modern art all at once.
This will be even more impressive when viewed on a large screen monitor.
I was so moved just seeing that and I read it over and over again!
You can enjoy masterpieces ranging from 1,100 years of religious paintings to modern art all at once.
This will be even more impressive when viewed on a large screen monitor.
I was so moved just seeing that and I read it over and over again!
July 23, 2020
Good book If you want to get a first impression about the most important paintings of classical and modern art. Paintings are described with all their details, it is up to you if you go through all of the details.
October 12, 2020
A fantastic overview of paintings, different styles of paintings, and the artists themselves. I really enjoyed this book. It is a great starting point for those who feel like they want to be able to understand the deeper meanings within art.
June 26, 2021
Fascinating book giving a wide overview of painting history. Not just Eurocentric, features art from different cultures as well. The focus on details of paintings was exquisite.
March 2, 2024
DK books never disappoint. this was a great journey on the history of the visual arts.
May 19, 2022
I spend far too much time reading and re-reading this book. I originally bought it to practice some of the 'understanding great art' techniques I've been learning in a current course but I wasn't expecting such a sumptuous treat.
From Zhang Zedun in c. 1100 CE to Anselm Kiefer in 2007, the editors have picked stunning examples from each time period, and broken down each individual work into parts for better understanding. I could not be happier with a purchase. You take your chances when you buy online, but I won the lottery with this.
From Zhang Zedun in c. 1100 CE to Anselm Kiefer in 2007, the editors have picked stunning examples from each time period, and broken down each individual work into parts for better understanding. I could not be happier with a purchase. You take your chances when you buy online, but I won the lottery with this.
February 17, 2015
Some of the interpretations were pushing the envelope with regards to speculation, while others made no sense if you thought about it. On one of the paintings, only small portions were explained, which left me wondering what other parts were about. The majority of the explanations were informative for me though, and the book made for interesting reading as a whole.
January 23, 2014
I expected more from this book. I wanted a book that would include more works of art with minimal text. Instead, this book contained a handful of works where each one was analyzed in sections which I think kinda took away from my enjoyment of the paintings.
November 4, 2016
Wonderful book of art... 4 pages j- with the picture, then pieces of the pictures highlighted and the pieces explained, both for meaning and for technique.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2013
Well done. Concise. Informative.
May 19, 2014
Ийм сайхан номтой болсондоо баяртай байна. Уншиж, цээжилж дуусчихаад номын санд хандивланаа.
P.S: Зарим хэсэгт орчуулга нь нэг л... наалдацгүй сонсогдож байсан.
P.S: Зарим хэсэгт орчуулга нь нэг л... наалдацгүй сонсогдож байсан.
April 20, 2015
Lovely book. Great high quality pictures.
May 19, 2016
"I am that man...man is linked to the universe, he is in metamorphosis, he will be reborn. But it is a sad work as he does not know why he is reborn." -Anselm Kiefer, pg. 246 on his painting Athanor
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews