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Making A Masterpiece: The stories behind iconic artworks
What makes a work of art a masterpiece? Discover the answers in the fascinating stories of how these artworks came to be and the circumstances of their long-lasting impact on the world.
Beginning with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus , we travel through time and a range of styles and stories – including theft, scandal, artistic reputation, politics and power – to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans , challenging the idea of what a masterpiece can be, and arriving in the twenty-first century with Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama , a modern-day masterpiece still to be tested by time.
Each artwork has a tale that reveals making a masterpiece often involves much more than just a demonstration of artistic their path to fame is only fully disclosed by looking beyond what the eye can see. Rather than trying to describe the elements of greatness, Making a Masterpiece takes account of the circumstances outside the frame that contribute to the perception of greatness and reveals that the journey from the easel to popular acclaim can be as compelling as the masterpiece itself.
Birth of Venus , Sandro Botticelli
Mona Lisa , Leonardo da Vinci
Judith Beheading Holofernes , Artemisia Gentileschi
Girl with a Pearl Earring , Johannes Vermeer
Under the Wave off Kanagawa , Katsushika Hokusai
Fifteen Sunflowers , Vincent van Gogh
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (Woman in Gold , Gustav Klimt
American Gothic , Grant Wood
Guernica , Pablo Picasso
Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird , Frida Kahlo
Campbell’s Soup Cans , Andy Warhol
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama , Amy Sherald
Discover the stories of how, why and what makes a masterpiece in this truly compelling and comprehensive work.
Beginning with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus , we travel through time and a range of styles and stories – including theft, scandal, artistic reputation, politics and power – to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans , challenging the idea of what a masterpiece can be, and arriving in the twenty-first century with Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama , a modern-day masterpiece still to be tested by time.
Each artwork has a tale that reveals making a masterpiece often involves much more than just a demonstration of artistic their path to fame is only fully disclosed by looking beyond what the eye can see. Rather than trying to describe the elements of greatness, Making a Masterpiece takes account of the circumstances outside the frame that contribute to the perception of greatness and reveals that the journey from the easel to popular acclaim can be as compelling as the masterpiece itself.
Birth of Venus , Sandro Botticelli
Mona Lisa , Leonardo da Vinci
Judith Beheading Holofernes , Artemisia Gentileschi
Girl with a Pearl Earring , Johannes Vermeer
Under the Wave off Kanagawa , Katsushika Hokusai
Fifteen Sunflowers , Vincent van Gogh
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (Woman in Gold , Gustav Klimt
American Gothic , Grant Wood
Guernica , Pablo Picasso
Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird , Frida Kahlo
Campbell’s Soup Cans , Andy Warhol
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama , Amy Sherald
Discover the stories of how, why and what makes a masterpiece in this truly compelling and comprehensive work.
- GenresArtNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
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69 people want to read
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September 2, 2022Review to come
November 25, 2022
5/5 stars
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher
In Making A Masterpiece the author delivers exactly what she promises, it's the story of different iconic artworks and what made them standout and become so famous and well known. To that end we are taken on a journey through the artist's career, the situations around the creation of the work and what events propeled the work into recognition. The author also shows the impact that these masterpieces have had on the collective consciousness and other works they have inspired.
I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and understand. I learned a lot of facts I didn't know about these paintings that I have seen over and over again. While I read this as a digital ARC I still think that the formatting of the book is very nice, I personally liked the close ups to the artworks, and I would love to own it in print.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher
In Making A Masterpiece the author delivers exactly what she promises, it's the story of different iconic artworks and what made them standout and become so famous and well known. To that end we are taken on a journey through the artist's career, the situations around the creation of the work and what events propeled the work into recognition. The author also shows the impact that these masterpieces have had on the collective consciousness and other works they have inspired.
I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and understand. I learned a lot of facts I didn't know about these paintings that I have seen over and over again. While I read this as a digital ARC I still think that the formatting of the book is very nice, I personally liked the close ups to the artworks, and I would love to own it in print.
February 12, 2026
Coffee-table art history with a decent amount of information, but not much ambition beyond that...and I'm no fan of the layout.
January 7, 2023
This is perhaps one of the lighter-weight art appreciation books, but once you know and accept that no purchase will exactly be regretted. The aim is to convey the fact that the paintings included are masterpieces, and to explain not exactly how we might go about creating our own, or how we might instantly recognise a true masterpiece (for the simple reason that it's not to us to decide, for one), but how these may have gained that title. So with van Gogh's sunflowers it is the fact he made so many paintings, and several copies thereof, and they caught the colour of warmth and success he sought and struck a chord. With "Guernica" it is Picasso's scale and sense of drama, as well as the modernist Expo pavilion it was placed in, just as much as the event that inspired it. With Hokusai's "Great Wave" it's not only how he designed what he did, but the iconography in it, and the public response. These artworks are fine, but even the likes of "Mona Lisa" are reduced without any audience for them.
Yes, we have a selection of nice and short essays regarding some obvious world-beaters here, and no end of works left for a sequel. From the short contents page here you might erroneously imply that only two Dutch artists have made masterpieces, and that no Brits ever have. Dali? Absent. Monet? Too wet. Sculpture? Redundant. And I won't be the only person taking issue with some of the choices – the Klimt here would not exceed "The Kiss" in my estimation, even if the renown from its personal history is definitely part of the making of the chosen work. Of all the Kahlo pieces I might name were I to think hard enough, apparently her masterpiece is one I'd never seen nor heard of. Oh, and the last choice here is a risible one indeed.
But this is still a pretty fine book. The concision allows for discussion of who the artist is and what they were all about, how the artwork came to be and what it might mean (if anything) and, again, how the acclaim or perhaps otherwise boosted it to sine qua non status. "American Gothic" is so recognisable, but initial responses veered between admiration, and disgust at a perceived piss-take of the kind of people shown.
Like I say, don't come here for the most precious and in-depth look at anything, and even something as restrictive as the Western art canon is barely touched on here. But I didn't regret time with this book one minute, for the light and enjoyable way it showed us classic pieces of painting and printwork, and included in all the stories the acceptance and approval of the public, and the many diverse ways the 'masterpiece' consensus was formed. I mean, it's no masterpiece itself, but it's great fun to peruse.
Yes, we have a selection of nice and short essays regarding some obvious world-beaters here, and no end of works left for a sequel. From the short contents page here you might erroneously imply that only two Dutch artists have made masterpieces, and that no Brits ever have. Dali? Absent. Monet? Too wet. Sculpture? Redundant. And I won't be the only person taking issue with some of the choices – the Klimt here would not exceed "The Kiss" in my estimation, even if the renown from its personal history is definitely part of the making of the chosen work. Of all the Kahlo pieces I might name were I to think hard enough, apparently her masterpiece is one I'd never seen nor heard of. Oh, and the last choice here is a risible one indeed.
But this is still a pretty fine book. The concision allows for discussion of who the artist is and what they were all about, how the artwork came to be and what it might mean (if anything) and, again, how the acclaim or perhaps otherwise boosted it to sine qua non status. "American Gothic" is so recognisable, but initial responses veered between admiration, and disgust at a perceived piss-take of the kind of people shown.
Like I say, don't come here for the most precious and in-depth look at anything, and even something as restrictive as the Western art canon is barely touched on here. But I didn't regret time with this book one minute, for the light and enjoyable way it showed us classic pieces of painting and printwork, and included in all the stories the acceptance and approval of the public, and the many diverse ways the 'masterpiece' consensus was formed. I mean, it's no masterpiece itself, but it's great fun to peruse.
September 26, 2022
In this book, Mancoff discusses a dozen works of art considered masterpieces, explaining how the paintings came to be, what influenced the artist, and what influence these paintings had on art or culture that contributed to their widespread designation as masterpieces. This background information is presented by way of helping to understand what it is about these paintings that made them stand out.
It’s an interesting selection. There are paintings, such as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Hokusai’s “The Great Wave,” that one would imagine being on any short list of artistic masterpieces. There are others that one could imagine making the cut or not, but which are certainly iconic (e.g. Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”) But there are also painters who one would expect to see included on the list, but whose most well-known or iconic work isn’t the one presented – e.g. Klimt’s “Woman in Gold” is discussed instead of “The Kiss” and Van Gogh’s “Fifteen Sunflowers” is included rather than “Starry Night.” The most controversial inclusion is the last, “Michelle Obama” by Amy Sherald – not because it’s not a beautiful painting and interestingly arranged for a portrait (which are usually pretty boring to a neophyte such as me,) but because it hasn’t been around for sufficiently long to know whether it will lodge itself in the collective conscious the way all the other entries have, so earning the designation of masterpiece. [It’s also owned by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, and thus hasn’t had the commercial distinction by which masterpieces are usually determined – i.e. being auctioned for insane sums of money – e.g. Warhol’s soup cans (which are included in the book.)] That said, I liked that there were some “outliers,” as it was more opportunity to learn something new.
The book not only includes pictures of artworks as well as closeup details, but also pictures of works that were influenced by each and sometimes photos relevant to the story behind the paintings.
I enjoyed reading this book and learned a great deal about these important works of art.
It’s an interesting selection. There are paintings, such as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Hokusai’s “The Great Wave,” that one would imagine being on any short list of artistic masterpieces. There are others that one could imagine making the cut or not, but which are certainly iconic (e.g. Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”) But there are also painters who one would expect to see included on the list, but whose most well-known or iconic work isn’t the one presented – e.g. Klimt’s “Woman in Gold” is discussed instead of “The Kiss” and Van Gogh’s “Fifteen Sunflowers” is included rather than “Starry Night.” The most controversial inclusion is the last, “Michelle Obama” by Amy Sherald – not because it’s not a beautiful painting and interestingly arranged for a portrait (which are usually pretty boring to a neophyte such as me,) but because it hasn’t been around for sufficiently long to know whether it will lodge itself in the collective conscious the way all the other entries have, so earning the designation of masterpiece. [It’s also owned by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, and thus hasn’t had the commercial distinction by which masterpieces are usually determined – i.e. being auctioned for insane sums of money – e.g. Warhol’s soup cans (which are included in the book.)] That said, I liked that there were some “outliers,” as it was more opportunity to learn something new.
The book not only includes pictures of artworks as well as closeup details, but also pictures of works that were influenced by each and sometimes photos relevant to the story behind the paintings.
I enjoyed reading this book and learned a great deal about these important works of art.
November 17, 2022
Making A Masterpiece by Debra N Mancoff does what it promises and then some. We not only get the stories behind iconic artworks, but we also get that work's influence on other works as well as some insight into its reception.
Frankly, I would have been happy with just getting more background on the works I knew something about and a fresh glimpse at the ones I didn't. Looking at works and ideas that flowed from these pieces, as well as considering what makes something a masterpiece, or at least considered as such by enough "experts," makes this a book I plan to revisit.
I read this straight through and enjoyed it as a single work with distinct chapters. What I want to do when I come back to it, and what I probably would have done if I wasn't reading it to review, is take each chapter, each work, and spend more time with it. Look up more images, learn a little more about the work that came after or about the artist, or whatever each chapter sparks. This is an excellent book for slowly working through and using other sources (an area where the internet comes in handy) to take it in whatever direction appeals to you.
Highly recommended for both those well-versed in art history and those of us with some knowledge but mostly just a love of art.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Frankly, I would have been happy with just getting more background on the works I knew something about and a fresh glimpse at the ones I didn't. Looking at works and ideas that flowed from these pieces, as well as considering what makes something a masterpiece, or at least considered as such by enough "experts," makes this a book I plan to revisit.
I read this straight through and enjoyed it as a single work with distinct chapters. What I want to do when I come back to it, and what I probably would have done if I wasn't reading it to review, is take each chapter, each work, and spend more time with it. Look up more images, learn a little more about the work that came after or about the artist, or whatever each chapter sparks. This is an excellent book for slowly working through and using other sources (an area where the internet comes in handy) to take it in whatever direction appeals to you.
Highly recommended for both those well-versed in art history and those of us with some knowledge but mostly just a love of art.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
December 25, 2022
Debra Mencff is a well known art historian of 20 booksI
I was initially convinced that this book was going to be similar to every other artbook. However, I was wrong. The author uniquliy compared famous paintings to other works of art and I was intrigued. The image is the comparison of Botticulli’s ‘The Birth of Venius’ to other works of art. Warhol created a silk screen print which focused mainly on Venus's face. Warhol’s piece uses vivid colors, compared to the more realistic color pallet used by Bottiiculli. The most amazing masterpiece was dress designer Thierry Mugler who created a gown that is also the most gorgeous gown that mimics the masterpiece. The breathtaking gown made an apperance at the 2019 Grammy AWards.
The author travels through time with ‘The Birth of Venus’ to a portrait of Michelle Obama. The book is more than a study of artwork, each image is accompanied with a vast amount of information. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I could see myself reading the book more than once.
Thank you Debra Mancoff, Frances Lincoln, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book.
I was initially convinced that this book was going to be similar to every other artbook. However, I was wrong. The author uniquliy compared famous paintings to other works of art and I was intrigued. The image is the comparison of Botticulli’s ‘The Birth of Venius’ to other works of art. Warhol created a silk screen print which focused mainly on Venus's face. Warhol’s piece uses vivid colors, compared to the more realistic color pallet used by Bottiiculli. The most amazing masterpiece was dress designer Thierry Mugler who created a gown that is also the most gorgeous gown that mimics the masterpiece. The breathtaking gown made an apperance at the 2019 Grammy AWards.
The author travels through time with ‘The Birth of Venus’ to a portrait of Michelle Obama. The book is more than a study of artwork, each image is accompanied with a vast amount of information. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I could see myself reading the book more than once.
Thank you Debra Mancoff, Frances Lincoln, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book.
October 19, 2022
This lavishly illustrated title tells the stories behind twelve well-known artworks. The paintings include everything from Botticelli’s Birth of Venus to Amery Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama. Interestingly to me, many are paintings of or by women. There are the Mona Lisa, Judith Beheading Holofernes and Woman in Gold, for example.
Each featured art work is labeled a masterpiece, a term that is defined in this title’s introduction. The history of the word is also discussed. The author also talks about the current plurality in the art world and questions how masterpieces may (or may not) fit within this framework.
Each of these works is discussed in depth. Ways in which a given painting has influenced more contemporary artists is also included here. Read in any order and come away with a deeper understanding of these treasures.
Recommended for both the serious art historian and a reader who would like to take a deep dive into works with which they may already be familiar.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
Each featured art work is labeled a masterpiece, a term that is defined in this title’s introduction. The history of the word is also discussed. The author also talks about the current plurality in the art world and questions how masterpieces may (or may not) fit within this framework.
Each of these works is discussed in depth. Ways in which a given painting has influenced more contemporary artists is also included here. Read in any order and come away with a deeper understanding of these treasures.
Recommended for both the serious art historian and a reader who would like to take a deep dive into works with which they may already be familiar.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2022
Debra Mancoff is an engaging writer who has the ability to introduce select artworks to a curious audience and provide in depth analysis with a wealth of images to enjoy.
Making a Masterpiece features twelve artworks from a diverse set of artists across time, gender and race.
The reader will no doubt recognise some of the artworks, but will gain in-depth knowlege from various perspectives, An enjoyable, illuminating read,
Making a Masterpiece features twelve artworks from a diverse set of artists across time, gender and race.
The reader will no doubt recognise some of the artworks, but will gain in-depth knowlege from various perspectives, An enjoyable, illuminating read,
November 28, 2022
Making a Masterpiece is a fascinating examination of 12 famous works from Botticelli's Birth of Venus c.1485 through to Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama.
I found her in-depth analysis thought provoking and very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I would recommend the book to any art lover who is interested to know more about the fascinating stories that lie behind these famous works of art.
I found her in-depth analysis thought provoking and very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I would recommend the book to any art lover who is interested to know more about the fascinating stories that lie behind these famous works of art.
December 17, 2022
Debra Mancoff is an art historian and prolific writer - Making a Masterpiece is the latest in a line of more than 20 wide ranging art history books and, in my opinion (having admittedly not read all of the others) it would be an excellent first choice. Mancoff examines twelve iconic works, starting with Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and ending up with Amy Sherald’s amazing portrait of Michelle Obama. For each work she provides context about both the artist and the work, including images of the painting detail and other works which inspired the author or which were influenced by the painting. For example, when discussing Sherald’s work, Mancoff shows us a portrait of Harriet Tubman in a similar pose, detail of one of the famous Gee’s Bend quilts whose design is incorporated into Obama’s gown, the photograph of Obama posing for the portrait, and the photo that went viral of a 2-year-old girl gazing in awe in front of the portrait.
I list these examples to emphasize Mancoff’s style, which is thoroughly grounded in research but also refreshingly free of the stereotypical “art speak” that turns some people off. The approach is sophisticated but not stuffy, full of love and respect for the works without trying too hard to convince. I have been teaching arts appreciation for over 20 years, and I learned new things from this book. I recommend it for anyone who wants to go deeper into familiar works.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance reader’s copy I received in exchange for my honest review.*
I list these examples to emphasize Mancoff’s style, which is thoroughly grounded in research but also refreshingly free of the stereotypical “art speak” that turns some people off. The approach is sophisticated but not stuffy, full of love and respect for the works without trying too hard to convince. I have been teaching arts appreciation for over 20 years, and I learned new things from this book. I recommend it for anyone who wants to go deeper into familiar works.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance reader’s copy I received in exchange for my honest review.*
February 13, 2024
I have just read this book from cover to cover, and absolutely LOVED it. The beautiful descriptions, stories behind both images and artists, and the impact they’ve had on people throughout history - fabulously told. The selection of images was perfect, and I found myself browsing back and forth through the pages, connecting pictures with text. Thank you so much for a great reading experience!
April 16, 2024
There are a lot of books like this, stories of famous paintings, but this is of nice quality and is a good example of its ilk.
June 6, 2025
Graag gelezen, maar ik vond niet alles even boeiend.
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