Introduction to Art

Usborne Introductions

by Jane Chisholm

Published in association with the world-famous National Gallery of London and using images supplied by them, this book brings together great themes, techniques and artists from the most important periods and movements up to the present day. With simple but not patronizing text, this book provides a sound basis of information for anybody interested in the absorbing world of art. Organized by theme, some of the world's most famous and beautiful works of art are examined in how to look at a painting; the painting of faces; classical art; modern art; the influence of religion on art; the influence of society on art; and war and propaganda.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Childrens

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

As Editorial Director at Usborne, Jane oversees books about absolutely everything. She grew up in Moscow, Singapore, and in a forest in Sussex, building treehouses and pretending to be one of the Famous Five. Before university she was a social worker in Botswana and camped under the stars in the Kalahari Desert.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of the 2004 Key Stage 2 Non-Fiction Category in the English Association's 'English 4-11' Best Books Awards. This is an excellent reference book for older primary children, their teachers and for the general reader. it is a good resource for the National Curriculum Art programme and is internet linked for even more information. Even if you stay with the print resource there are 140 pages providing comprehensive coverage. There is a useful time-line, a list of artists and a scholarly glossary supported by a thorough index. A well organised introduction helps children think deeply about how to look at paintings, but essentially the book provides an historical perspective, taking readers from early wall paintings to current works. 'Behind the Scenes' is a splendid final section which informs about artists' materials and the tools artists use and have used, and gives up-to-date information about preservation. The reproduction of the paintings communicates the quality and essence of the works whilst the enlargements of parts of some works allow for focus and explanation: so for Botticelli's 'Venus and Mars' there is a thoughtful and informative analysis of, for example, 'ideal beauty' and why there are wasps flying round the head of Mars. Children will need help from the teacher, however, in grappling with challenging ideas like symbolic imagery and conceptual art.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 2 out of 5]

Take with a grain of salt. The library copy I read is from 2003, and I can't find it on Goodreads. Hopefully the updated editions are better!

Beginning with the good, The Usborne Introduction to Art is very image-heavy, as art books should be, and includes a timeline, list of artist biographies, and glossary. It focuses on techniques like composition and trompe l'oeil, and presents them in ways that are easy for children to grasp. It devotes plenty of space to each period of art, including modern art.

Like so many other art history books, this should really be titled Western Art because it's by no means an introduction to art as a whole, around the world. The page spreads are hectic and hard to follow. Text blocks aren't clearly defined, and the following section after a break in the text requires a bit of searching. Some spreads are unified and each image contributes to a digestible whole, while others are so busy and incoherent that it's hard to grasp the "lesson" on each spread. The whole book has the appearance of being cobbled together in Microsoft Word, and the art really deserves better.



However, what really got my goat was the atrocious take on the medieval era, and Christianity in general. Christianity is inextricable from Western history, especially art, in the medieval and Renaissance eras, and I've seen it handled straightforwardly by authors who otherwise have no respect for it. Sometimes, the authors succeed in presenting a Bible story with respect, saying things like, "the rising sun is meant to remind us how, in the Bible, Jesus rises from the dead." (50) This is perfectly acceptable, and often such couching is used in this book to good effect. Yet, the authors of this book display a poor knowledge of the medieval era and nearly ridicule the beliefs of the artists whose work they present, which is unacceptable.

- The book posits that Renaissance artists "painted old, familiar Bible tales...in a very different way [from medieval artists]. They often moved the stories to their own time and country." (44) *flips back to ginger Jesus on page 30* *squints*
- THEY STRAIGHT UP CALL THE MEDIEVAL ERA "THE DARK AGES." RIGHT NEXT TO THE BOOK OF KELLS.
- Medieval churches were evidently designed to "put the fear of God into churchgoers." (25) My word. I just can't with this book. "Fearing God" means a holy awe, not "eek, hell!" Grotesques on medieval churches are often intentionally humorous, inspiring viewers to pull a Julian of Norwich and laugh at the devil. Cathedral entrances were often decorated with scenes of the Last Judgment, not to terrify churchgoers as this book speculates, but to remind them that they enter a space meant to signify holiness and eternality, leaving the world behind to enter heaven. All of that gorgeous, intentional, theology-in-stone* and you land on "icky demon wants to grab a sinner." A wild take, squishing Great Awakening-level fear-mongering onto a Gothic cathedral!
- "This was the day when people believed their souls would rise up to Heaven or be sent to Hell." (25) Well, ma'ams, people still believe that, and your post-Christian Western supremacy is showing by demeaning the beliefs of millions in Africa and Asia, where the global bulk of Christians now live. This paternalistic attitude is all too common among white, Western intelligentsia and I'm so weary of it. Also, bodily resurrection is the Jewish belief that was stoutly defended by early Christians, not floating souls, and is likely what inspired the Christian tradition of depicting the dead (round halos, in the presence of God) among the living (rectangular halos, still living on earth) in catacomb art.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. Even with its few merits, this book is not worth the read. Just...pick a different book. (Perhaps an updated edition of this one? I sincerely hope it's better.)

*For adults, Robert Barron's Heaven in Stone and Glass: Experiencing the Spirituality of the Great Cathedrals is unparalleled for interpreting cathedrals. I can't recommend it highly enough, for personal spiritual use and information.

[Erik Akre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a number of the Usborne surveys, and they're all rewarding. I plowed through this one in two days. Its gorgeous illustration and simplified format were so easy, yet informative enough (in a survey kind of way) to feel useful and inspiring. It was, for me, a springboard to other areas of art-history learning. Thoroughly enjoyable, even though written for a much younger audience. The pictured works of art know no audience limited by age.

Of course these books are also entirely appropriate (and perhaps much more appropriate) for the young who take an interest in these topics. For any 4th to 6th grader with a passion for art and art history, this book would be perfect. Highly recommended as a survey of information and a point of taking-off to further learning.

[Amy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per the title, this was a great introduction to the many eras and styles of art.

It went right back to the earliest forms of painting, up to the formaldehyde animal Damien Hirst installations. Each era was illustrated with relevant examples showing the changing styles and everyone you'd expect to find was here, along with some less easily recognisable pictures.

Where relevant, certain parts of a picture were enlarged to show a detail we may otherwise have missed or to explain why the artist included it. There was even a couple of pages about preserving pictures and methods of mixing paint etc.

This is aimed at older children, presumably to help with school projects (at least until Wikipedia came along...), but I don't think there's any harm in adults reading it. Despite being accessible, it certainly didn't over-simplify or talk down to the reader. Although I am interested in art and don't consider myself a complete novice, there were still a few facts that I didn't know/had forgotten which were interesting and it made me want to go away and explore parts in greater detail.

I can't fault this, really. It was enjoyable and well put together. Recommended!

[Lloyd Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure what my thinking was when I purchased this. I think I saw it as a great introduction to art for my son. But I've just finished reading it and not quite sure whether it was great for me or for my 15 year old. Probably both. The language is very simple; the short sections make it easy to digest; there are on-line links..but not to Usborne's own art collection but to public Collections in national Galleries etc. It probably should have something in the title about Western Art because there is no discussion there of Asian Art, or Pacific Art or Latina American Art etc. But this is a minor criticism really. There are a number of nice personal vignettes such as Caravaggio killing a man over a game of tennis and having to flee the country. I think they have managed to pack a lot of art and art history and art theory into a well illustrated and entertaining book. Certainly easy to read....I learned a lot from it. Happy to give it 5 stars and will be recommending it to my son.....whether he will read it is another issue.

[Carie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of reading juvenille non-fiction books. They give all the information that adult non-fiction books give but much more succiently and efficiently.

This is a great intro to art book. Great to share with your kids.

[Chương Nguyễn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nhân dịp lần đầu đi vẽ tranh cuối tuần, mình mua cuốn này đọc để hiểu thêm về hội hoạ. Dù bìa sách của Kim Đồng thì xấu thật là xấu, cơ mà trình bày và nội dung bên trong thì khá là tuyệt vời. 😉

***

Sách là một lời giới thiệu cụ thể và nghiêm túc về lịch sử phát triển của nghệ thuật thị giác thế giới: từ Cổ đại, Trung đại, Phục Hưng, Baroque; cho đến các trường phái và phong trào từ năm 1800 trở lại đây như Ấn tượng, Biểu hiện, Trừu tượng hay Nghệ thuật Đương đại (phần nửa sau này đọc hơi loạn).

Ko chỉ để xem tranh và các tác phẩm nghệ thuật thị giác tiêu biểu của từng thời kì (full màu, đương nhiên), đọc cuốn này xong mình cũng hiểu thêm kha khá về một số điều cơ bản khác như: khi xem tranh cần lưu ý đến bố cục, điểm nhìn và các chi tiết nhỏ khuất để hiểu được toàn diện và sâu sắc hơn bức tranh; hay nghệ thuật có liên quan vô cùng mật thiết như thế nào đến tiến trình lịch sử nhân loại.

***

Well thực ra lúc đọc đến giai đoạn Cách mạng cuối thế kỉ 19, mình đã khá mong chờ là sẽ có những bài phân tích dài hơn về Monet và van Gogh (vì mình đã có cơ hội đi triển lãm Monet ở Tokyo, và đã xem Loving Vincent 2 lần). Tuy vậy, những nội dung khác cũng đã được tác giả khéo léo đưa vào một vài đánh giá cá nhân mà mình cho là khá xác đáng.

Hôm nào đó lại đi vẽ cuối tuần tiếp nhỉ. ☺️

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although marketed towards middle-graders and up, this was a perfect dose of art history for me. I wanted to get a concise overview without tedious timelines, vocabulary that would be over my head, or just way too many details. This beautiful book delivered exactly what I wanted and I learned so much. It was a springboard for me to check out a few more art books from the library on specific artists I already love as well as new ones I discovered. The details about different painting techniques, from Van Gogh's thick strokes with gobs of paint still on the canvas, to the intricate strokes by Renaissance artists who used brushes with only a few hairs so that they could make the painting as lifelike and flawless as possible. This was a great introduction with just enough information and large photos to illuminate the text with examples of the art discussed without being overwhelming.

Rated: PG (a few paintings included partial nudity, but they were small in scale)

[Quang Nguyen Dinh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nói lên được sự diễn tiến của nghệ thuật theo dòng lịch sử và tổng quan các chủ nghĩa trào lưu trong giới hội họa, tuy nhiên cũng chỉ là cưỡi ngựa xem hoa thôi chứ chưa đến mức đưa người ta "đến với nghệ thuật" được. Đặc biệt là với nghệ thuật đương đại thì không thể thấm được cái vẻ đẹp của các tác phẩm.

[pearl_seeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting overview of art that would be perfect for middle- or high-schoolers. Certainly not a deep dive into the subject, but with enough information to pique a curious mind.

Highly recommend for students who enjoy art museums and need a first-step in better understanding the history and world of art.

[Trần Duyên · Rating 3 out of 5]

basic and helpful tool to take a look into the art world.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating and detailed introduction to the history of art. beautiful pictures and great art work!

[Lucifer Morningstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Πολύ καλό εισαγωγικό βιβλίο για εφήβους και ενήλικες. Για πρώτο βιβλίο στην εισαγωγή στην Τέχνη είναι πολύ καλό. Κατατοπιστικό.

[Stefania Siano · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stelle

Il mese scorso sono stata contattata dall’ufficio stampa della Usborne Edizioni, una casa editrice che pubblica libri per bambini e ragazzi.

Due libri mi hanno incuriosito particolarmente e oggi sono qui per parlarvi di uno di questi che fa parte della collana “arte”: L’arte occidentale.

Si tratta di un volume che ripercorre in sintesi, con un linguaggio semplice e immediato, l’arte occidentale che va dall’arte dell’antico Egitto fino a quella del XX secolo.

Il libro è indirizzato ai bambini dai nove anni ed è stato realizzato in collaborazione con la National Gallery di Londra. Si parte con una introduzione sul concetto di arte e si analizza il suo scopo e il suo valore. Ogni capitolo affronta le correnti artistiche in modo cronologico, trattando brevemente, ma in modo preciso e chiaro, i concetti più importanti riguardo l’evoluzione dello stile e delle tecniche, soffermandosi sugli artisti e le opere più conosciuti.

Trovo questo libro realizzato benissimo, non solo per la scelta dei giusti concetti da trasmettere a un bambino, ma anche perché le nozioni vanno oltre il semplice spiegare la storia dell’arte perché si insegna a “leggere” un quadro. Si tratta dell’analisi dell’opera a partire dalla composizione, all’introduzione dei simboli, allo studio delle differenti pennellate, insomma si insegna al bambino a guardare il quadro con occhi diversi, non soffermandosi unicamente sulla bellezza e sulla prima apparenza. Il volume si conclude con capitoli che introducono la materia del restauro, i casi sui falsi e sulle tecniche degli artisti.

La lettura scorre in modo piacevole e veloce, con delle glosse che fanno dei piccoli approfondimenti, il tutto è accompagnato da una chiara impaginazione con le foto delle opere d’arte prese in considerazione e delle piccole illustrazioni. Un ottimo lavoro, anche se avrei preferito qualche accenno in più riguardo lo sfondo storico perché ogni corrente artistica nasce e viene influenzata dalla situazione socio, politico e culturale del periodo.

Una sintesi fruibile e ben precisa dell’arte occidentale, con un linguaggio immediato e mai banale. Consigliatissimo ai bambini per un giusto approccio alla materia.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent review of art and art history. The introduction explains why artists create and different ways of interpreting art. This could be used as a great resource for teachers. The book goes through every major art movement in history, dedicating just a page or two to each, yet it contains interesting tidbits like Monet getting sand in his paint at the beach.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. There were a few pages of immodest art my mom tore out but other than that a 5 definately.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start at visually seeing some of the great artwork of all time.
This book is in color and a must for any collection.

[Rasha Omran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like it very much