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Author: DK

Theory of art

Published on 6 April 2023 by Dorling Kindersley Ltd (DK) in the United Kingdom as part of ‘the DK Timelines’ series.

Hardback | 400 pages
221 x 262 x 32 | 1686g

This beautiful book brings you the very best of art throughout history – using a truly innovative timeline-led approach. Savour iconic paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and Monet’s Waterlilies, and discover less well-known artists, styles, and movements the world over – from Indigenous Australian art to the works of Ming-era China. And explore recurring themes, such as love and religion, and important genres from Romanesque to Conceptual art, along the way. Timelines of Art provides detailed analysis of the works of key artists, showing details of their technique – such as Leonardo’s use of light and shade. It tells the story of avant-garde works like Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe (Lunch on the Grass), which scandalised society, and it traces how certain artists, genres or movements informed the works of others – showing how the Impressionists were inspired by Gustave Courbet, for example, or how Van Gogh was influenced by Japanese prints.

Comprehensive, accessible, and lavishly illustrated throughout, Timelines of Art is an essential guide to the pantheon of world art, so dive straight into discover: – An overview of each movement, including the social and cultural background of the period, grounds the works of art in the spirit of their times.

– Turning-point paintings that triggered or epitomised each artistic movement are identified and explained, against a backdrop of influences – the technical advances, admired techniques of an earlier artist, and changes in society that enabled new directions in art.

– Glossary of technical terms and comprehensive index help make this an indispensable work of reference for any art-lover.

Timelines of Art is the perfect art history book for students of art and/or history, proving ideal for families, schools and libraries and doubling up as a great gift for the art lover in your life.