Art: The Groundbreaking Moments

by Florian Heine

This intriguing take on the history of art focuses on groundbreaking moments that changed the course of artistic development, from cave paintings to contemporary works. The first portrait; the first realistic animal drawing; the first nighttime scene; the first nude study; the first still life. These "firsts" and others are closely explored in twenty-five chapters that help the general reader and art lover alike understand how innovation spurred artistic growth throughout the years and around the world. Each chapter opens with a specific artist or work that introduced a new concept and includes examples of masterpieces that exemplify them. Colorful illustrations and lively texts show how each concept influenced other contemporary works as well as future generations. For example, self-portraits painted by Rembrandt, van Gogh, and even Max Beckmann can be traced back to the first recorded self-portrait by Jan van Eyck. A miraculous Draught of Fishes, by fifteenth-century artist Konrad Witz, paved the way for later landscapes by Dürer, Contable, and Wyeth. Arranged chronologically, the chapters in the book can be studied individually to deepen our understanding of a particular aspect of art or as a whole-to appreciate the ever changing patterns of artistic development.

Genres: Art

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2012

Reviews

[Anna Feakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting snapshot into the history of art(duh) including the different techniques and styles as well as how technology and religion have influenced art

[Deb (Bee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent walk through the history of art highlighting the introduction of the various changes from some of the most creative minds. Enjoyable, well written read.

[Raytown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Realized that Boccioni’s ‘Elasticity’ is one of my favourite works of art.

[Kerfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can anyone summarize the history of art in 200 pages? Despite the gaps (sculpture, anyone?) and omissions (is the only "art" academic Western art?), Heine manages to transition the ever-faster progression in pictoral representation by Western artists fairly well. There is certainly a lot of readable information and many fine pieces of art are shown to illustrate his points.

The 20th century really gets glossed over--although the author has an interesting chapter he call "trademarks" where he talks about contemporary artists needing a gimmick or "look" to get noticed and how they often become trapped there--as so much was going on so quickly. And a lot is missing from all eras and parts of the world.

Still, it's only 200 pages, and not bad for all that. Worth taking out of your local library as a starting point to further exploration, especially regarding what is left unseen and unsaid.

[Ferhat Culfaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of the different art movements and styles through history, covering seminal works. Concise, up to the point. Not as good as Gombrich's magnum opus though.