The Illustrated Story of Art: The Great Art Movements and the Paintings that Inspired them

by D.K. Publishing

Great art movements and the paintings that inspired them

The Illustrated Story of Art is an innovative approach to understanding the history of art, from cave painting to the modern day, with pivotal works of art examined in the context of history, culture and the lives of their creators.

This invaluable art reference book reveals the creative impulse behind every major art movement, from the Renaissance to Surrealism and abstract to pop art, with a visual timeline to show famous paintings and key events. Turning-point paintings that triggered movements are identified and explained as well as the influences behind the famous artworks such as technical advances, admired techniques of earlier artists, and changes in society. So you'll learn why Boudin's Beach Scene inspired the impressionist movement and why Monet's Grainstacks defined it. Vivid images of artistic masterpieces from each style and a glossary of terms make this an indispensable work of reference.

Covering the evolution of each major art genre as well as featuring the famous paintings that ignited new artistic movements, The Illustrated Story of Art presents the history of art in a visually stunning way, that is perfect for art-lovers, exhibition-goers and anyone who appreciates great art.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Reference

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2013

About the author

Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.

Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Reina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those interested in art. The only thing I disliked was the structure of the book. I have found some of the chapters way too repetitive.
In any case, a must-read.

[Shanaz Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's descriptive in a visual way that makes it engaging for any reader to enjoy.

However, I take issue with its title, that claims it is the ‘Story of Art’, whereas it’s simply the ‘Story of European, and (at the very end) art in the US’.

Such broad claims are problematic, for the simple reason that they are quick to claim, that only art produced in these geographical locations are worthy of being considered as such —Art.

Lazy titles such as these can be misleading and inevitably influence our world view. Which is disappointing when the book is otherwise well researched and has been made accessible to readers with any interest in the subject.

So to be clear, this is NOT the story of Art. It is simply the story of Art in ‘Europe and the US’.

[শালেকুল পলাশ · Rating 5 out of 5]

অনেক বেশী ইনফর্মেটিভ একটা বই আর্টের শুরু থেকে বর্তমান জমানা পর্যন্ত প্রায় সব কিছুই বর্ননা করা আছে। পড়তে কিংবা দেখতে গিয়ে নতুন কিছু শিখেছি যেমন প্রথম আইকোনিক পোট্রেট কার কে করেছিল ইত্যাদি।

[Arijit Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece guide to the history of Art (Painting) and it's practitioners. A must-have book for all Art lovers and enthusiasts and practitioners.

[Ivy Cai · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing guide to the chronicle of art.

[Tara Blais Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Excellent reference.

[GC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and comprehensive, it helped me to understand and appreciate why I love art from certain periods. And for the other periods of art that may be underappreciated, it introduces the importance and beauty of that period by drawing you to essential artists and pieces of the period. Not to mention even key socio-economic-environmental-political events that shaped art at the time. I wish it introduced art from lesser known regions like Asia. Nevertheless, a great book for beginner art history knowledge!