Product Description

Published in association with the world-famous National Gallery of London and using images supplied by them, this book brings together great themes, techniques and artists from the most important periods and movements up to the present day. With simple but not patronizing text, this book provides a sound basis of information for anybody interested in the absorbing world of art. Organized by theme, some of the world's most famous and beautiful works of art are examined in detail: how to look at a painting; the painting of faces; classical art; modern art; the influence of religion on art; the influence of society on art; and war and propaganda.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #389155 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-31
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

English Association Prizewinner
Winner of the 2004 Key Stage 2 Non-Fiction Category in the English Association's 'English 4-11' Best Books Awards. This is an excellent reference book for older primary children, their teachers and for the general reader. it is a good resource for the National Curriculum Art programme and is internet linked for even more information. Even if you stay with the print resource there are 140 pages providing comprehensive coverage. There is a useful time-line, a list of artists and a scholarly glossary supported by a thorough index. A well organised introduction helps children think deeply about how to look at paintings, but essentially the book provides an historical perspective, taking readers from early wall paintings to current works. 'Behind the Scenes' is a splendid final section which informs about artists' materials and the tools artists use and have used, and gives up-to-date information about preservation. The reproduction of the paintings communicates the quality and essence of the works whilst the enlargements of parts of some works allow for focus and explanation: so for Botticelli's 'Venus and Mars' there is a thoughtful and informative analysis of, for example, 'ideal beauty' and why there are wasps flying round the head of Mars. Children will need help from the teacher, however, in grappling with challenging ideas like symbolic imagery and conceptual art.