Great Painters

by Piero Ventura

Traces the development of European painting from the late 1200's through World War I by examining the lives and works of such artists as Giotto, Delacroix, Gauguin, and Picasso.

Genres: Art

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most cheerful illustrations I have ever seen. They are so adorable, lively and charming that I couldn't focus on reading. Piero Ventura is so talented, so gifted. I enjoyed every page of his book.

[Kato Selis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the combination with the drawings and the real artworks.
The Old Masters were terrificly explained, but from the modern time onwards it went a bit down hill.
Therefore not 4 but 3 stars :)
Definitly recommended to explain/inform one's self about the Old Masters

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an art history book for kids. Text is rather short, all the corners smoothed. Basic facts of interest are in place. Chronological order is kept. An interesting point for me was that every art-work is illustrated with the author's drawing of delicate ink outline with gentle watercolor. Illustrations tell a little story about the painter or about his time or about other paintings by the same author. Simple dot-eye style is not intrusive into a art history retold but provides a relaxed background making masterpieces somewhat easier to relate I think. Kids are asking questions about all the art of every spread and Ventura's drawings keep the narration uninterrupted. Good approach! I would make faces of painters in these supporting illustrations a little more specific, easier to recognize. And I would add a little more spice to the facts about painters.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has fun and interesting illustrations, and the text was full of interesting facts about the painters.