Best Art History Books

Explore the evolution of art from early cave paintings to modern experimental works with this updated edition. Discover eight new artists, accompanied by fuller captions including mediums and dimensions, and experience six breathtaking fold-outs of iconic masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and Van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece.

Discover the history of Western art and architecture with the most widely read and respected book in English for over 85 years. GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES: THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE discusses significant works in full historical and cultural contexts with an engaging approach. Access comprehensive digital resources like interactive eBooks, videos, audio, and critical thinking exercises through MindTap. Perfect for students seeking a thorough understanding of art and its evolution through time.

Explore the world of art through John Berger’s groundbreaking book, Ways of Seeing. Originally based on a BBC television series, Berger examines how we look at paintings and changes the way readers evaluate art. As the winner of the 1972 Booker Prize, Berger’s influential book is a must-read for anyone interested in cultural studies and art criticism. Discover the liberating power of images and gain a new perspective on the world of art with Ways of Seeing.

Explore the world of art with a visual guide that covers over 2,500 of the most renowned paintings and sculptures. Learn about key movements, styles, and techniques while gaining insights on how to appreciate works by great masters. This monumental book is a must-have for art lovers and enthusiasts alike.

Discover the world of art with this engaging compendium! From cave paintings to Pop Art, this coffee-table book takes you on a journey through the history of art. Featuring over 1200 works of art, it includes a chronology spanning 38,000 BC to the present and turning points that highlight major artistic movements and technical breakthroughs. The second part explores enduring themes in art, such as portraits and landscapes, allegory and religion, and still life and abstraction. With easy navigation and an extensive reference section, The Collins Big Book of Art is perfect for art enthusiasts of any level.

Discover the key to understanding Western art with Art: A Visual History, now updated and repackaged in a themed slipcase. Explore the paintings, sculptures, schools, and styles that shaped the art world with over 650 artists arranged chronologically. Delve into 22 masterpieces, from Ancient Greek sculpture to 1960s Pop Art, and examine well-known icons alongside lesser-known treasures. Learn about the characteristics and preferred subjects of major schools and movements with insightful features. Art: A Visual History is a knowledgeable, thought-provoking, and accessible guide to Western art.

Discover the fascinating impact that Ancient Greek and Roman art has had on Western culture in this new exploration of Classical Art. From the excavation of the city of Pompeii to the grandiose monuments of ancient tyrants and the stunning beauty of Apollo and Venus, this book covers it all. Learn about the Roman emperor Hadrian, the greatest art-collector of all time, and the rediscovery of Classical art in the modern world. Gain insight into the origins of art history and the influence that Greek painting and sculpture has had on Western art.

Discover 600 great painters and sculptors from medieval to modern times in The Art Book. This A-Z guide, now available in a compact and portable midi format, pairs brilliant examples of all periods, schools, visions, and techniques. With a fresh and original approach to art, The Art Book represents an unparalleled visual sourcebook and a celebration of our rich and multifaceted culture.

Explore the lives and works of the most influential artists of the Renaissance with this iconic collection of biographical accounts. Giorgio Vasari's acclaimed work features fascinating facts, anecdotes, and influential theories of the development of art. From infancy to youth and maturity, journey through the early works of Cimabue and Giotto, the influential period of Donatello and Michelangelo, and the perfected art of Leonardo and Raphael. This specially commissioned translation includes 36 of the most important artist's lives, accompanied by insightful notes and an introduction. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened about one of the most innovative and creative eras of all time.

"Art That Changed the World" is a stunning visual timeline of the evolution of art, exploring the major styles and movements that shaped the art world throughout history. Each section features a double-page image of an influential painting that defined each artistic style, accompanied by explanations of the events that shaped their evolution. Get a glimpse into the lives of the artists behind seminal works of genius and their historical significance.