Art: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Definitive Cultural Histories)

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It would give anyone a great overview but I think aspects of the book here and there could have been changed. I'll also note that the modern art descriptions and stuff are often absolutely laughable but tbh I hate a lot of the modern art stuff they have in this book so I guess I would say that. I barely scratched the surface in the time I had this from the library, and I could sit for an hour or more just reading and examining the photographs. Andrew Graham Dixon is one of the leading art critics and presenters of arts television programmes in the English-speaking world. I am newly studying art and reading this gave me a decent overview and some ideas for time periods and cultures that I want to study further.

Note to parents: As with any art book, you will want to examine this before sharing with your kids, if you are concerned about exposing your children to nudity. Spanning 30,000 years, from cave paintings to contemporary art, this stunning chronological exploration of every major artistic movement introduces the major milestones of each period, from the tomb paintings of Ancient Egypt, Qing Dynasty Chinese art, through to 20th century Cubism and African art today.It also looks at cultures around the world but there is a focus on the West (which may disappoint some people). Parceling out my reading in those short bursts kept it from becoming tedious, which the tiny print would do if I read too long. An enjoyable read packed-full of visual guides and brief commentaries on some of the World's best and most recognised art; from paintings to sculptures, pottery to woodblocks.

Under the heading of "Brushstrokes and Texture" someone described The Birth of Venus by Alexandre Cabanel as "the acceptable face of female nudity posing as high art on the pretext of retelling a classical myth. It also inspires me to see more art in the world and arms me with more knowledge with which to view these works. With such a grandiose title I didn't expect perfection but I did expect a more in-depth treatment of global art (and a lot less typos).

Art - The Definitive Visual Guide by DK Books is probably the most in-depth encyclopedia that takes you through various decades of art; it is enlightening and inspiring, it is the graduate course in fine arts that you may have wanted to take but never got around to. This amount includes seller specified domestic postage charges as well as applicable international postage, dispatch, and other fees.