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1st out of 2 books
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6 voters
The Art Book
An A to Z guide to 500 great painters and sculptors from medieval to modern times, it debunks art historical classifications by throwing together brilliant examples of all periods, schools, visions and techniques. Each artist is represented by a full-page colour plate of a definitive work, accompanied by explanatory and illuminating information on the image and its creator...more
Paperback, 515 pages
Published
April 17th 1997
by Phaidon Press
(first published January 1st 1994)
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This was really an interesting concept. Hundreds of artists, drawn from many times, movements, places, one page spread per artist--one work, one short explanation, a little attempt to locate the artist in time and movement. I couldn't stay out of this at work--we kept going back, opening it up, arguing over whether the work chosen was the right one. That was a lot of fun. (Weeping Woman for Picasso???? Ceci n'est pas un pipe for Magritte? Really?) I must say, it did help that I was pretty famili...more
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I've always wanted to learn more about art and art history, and this was a good sampling. It takes 500 different artists and shows one work from each of them. It was a nice introduction to artists I hadn't heard of before, and it gave a brief synopsis of the work and the artist.
This isn't an in-depth exploration. It often left me wanting more -- I expected this book to serve as a jump-off point, so that's a good thing. I flagged dozens of pages to research further. I should note that, being an a...more
This isn't an in-depth exploration. It often left me wanting more -- I expected this book to serve as a jump-off point, so that's a good thing. I flagged dozens of pages to research further. I should note that, being an a...more
It would be a mistake to take this book for what it is not: a serious, in-depth treatise on art. No, it's a picture book that gives almost twitter-like info on artists. Every artist included has one picture/one chance to make an impression on the public (art novices).
The good things about it: the wealth of periods it hits on and the quality of the reproductions, to say nothing of its size (I have the pocket size version, in case there are others). I also enjoyed the little gimmick: listing artis...more
The good things about it: the wealth of periods it hits on and the quality of the reproductions, to say nothing of its size (I have the pocket size version, in case there are others). I also enjoyed the little gimmick: listing artis...more
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I'm almost done, and still waiting, after almost two months, for an epiphany. But I keep feeling frustrated, not only by the lack of organization, but by the choices, and by the text.
How is 'alphabetical by artist' supposed to illuminate anything? It can't. It's effectively random. There happen to be a couple of interesting juxtapositions, but those few certainly don't justify this approach.
The editors have an amazingly high Euro (and, in the more modern entries, American) bias, with only two t...more
How is 'alphabetical by artist' supposed to illuminate anything? It can't. It's effectively random. There happen to be a couple of interesting juxtapositions, but those few certainly don't justify this approach.
The editors have an amazingly high Euro (and, in the more modern entries, American) bias, with only two t...more
I got this as a gift recently and I must say it's amazing. I am a bit of an art geek and I always have been. I enjoy this book because of the variety of different artists in it; all of which have contributed to my fascination with art in some way.
I know some of the artists pretty well and some are completely new to me, and I love that.
I could spend hours just flicking through this book and still not have read/studied it completely. I don't think I'll ever get bored of this book.
It would make...more
I know some of the artists pretty well and some are completely new to me, and I love that.
I could spend hours just flicking through this book and still not have read/studied it completely. I don't think I'll ever get bored of this book.
It would make...more
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It gives an over view of art and some important works. Information on the art contained in the book is limited but enables you to go look further. Also lists contact details for major Galleries in the back. My copy is a small version however the photos of the art work are printed clearly and you can see all the textures of the paintings as well.
Make sure this isn't your only art book in your library, but definately a good place to start when loking for reference, or pictures, or styles, or what...more
Make sure this isn't your only art book in your library, but definately a good place to start when loking for reference, or pictures, or styles, or what...more
that book is very good, in this book your can learn more about the art and in this book have something is so surprised for me. one is for the this book have 500 different artists and shows one work from each of them. other thing is for the the art have mandy year's old and have mandy people want to learn more about art. this book can for some one didn't know art and that can geive some one want to learn word art thay can read that book.
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Much to my husband's dismay, I took the binding off this book and put each page in a page protector; it now takes up two binders. But now, for $19.95 plus page protectors and binders, I have over 500 pieces of art that can be passed around my classroom.
Well, most of them can be passed around my classroom. I'm struggling with the nudity. Why is it more acceptable to me in an ancient Greek statue than in modern art? Hmmmmm...
Well, most of them can be passed around my classroom. I'm struggling with the nudity. Why is it more acceptable to me in an ancient Greek statue than in modern art? Hmmmmm...
Firstly, I love this because it's a Phaidon publish. Second, this is a great starting point for anyone wishing to familiarize themselves with some of the worlds most influential artisits / contributions. That said, this is liken to a crash-course Art 101 class but a great addition to any library. The prints alone make it worth the purchase.
The perfect prescription for someone who thinks Kupka might have something to do with the continuing cup-cake craze.
A artist, a picture, a critique, a list of recommendations to other artists of the same school. A pared down minimalistic approach which works. And pocket sized too (a wide pocket). Educational and, what's better, memorable.
Plain and simple: This was the book that made me fall in love with the visual arts. Almost every time I went to the library as a girl, I would borrow this book. I would sit and look at it for hours, never getting bored with it. I still haven't purchased this book for my collection, but I am planning on it soon!
Was given this book by my sister when she was in high school, and when I got to college it was assigned as one of the reference books. Very helpful for brief histories of a wide variety of pieces. I'd definitely recommend it as a starting point for a research paper about art!
I just luvvvv this book. i carry it around whenever i have to travel because it is fun to read and reread. it teaches you a lot about art in accessible and convenient way. Just the kind of book you like reading. hours can pass by and you barely notice it. :) luv it!
very simple, a photo of the artist work, brief about the artist
it gives you hints, not very helpful but it's a joy to the eye, you can like a painting or a sculpture and go do the research yourself, witch is not a bad idea after all, that is not a bad idea after all
it gives you hints, not very helpful but it's a joy to the eye, you can like a painting or a sculpture and go do the research yourself, witch is not a bad idea after all, that is not a bad idea after all
Love this book - it is alphabetical order of artists, with a picture of their work, and some biological detail. I particularly love the big version, that I saw at a school. The mini version I have at home is a bit small for some of the detail to come through.
Though it might frustrate those looking for an in-depth analysis, The Art Book is great for casual appreciation or anyone who doesn't know where to start. I personally enjoyed the huge variety of wildly different pieces sitting side by side.
This book is the Linkin Park of the art book world. Granted it doesn't have to be as scrupulous as a doctor giving a prostate exam but it's still quite vague and doesn't give much away. Still useful if you're doing your GCSEs though.
An everyday book for Everyman. Quite nice for the coffee table or for the kids to flick through. It does what the title says so probably deserves 5 stars but it lacks sufficient depth or enquiry for my tastes..
I always like to flip through this when I'm looking for inspiration. Sometimes I can base a design off a painting, usually with the use of colors, or even off the outfits in the compositions.
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Great book. GIves a wonderful reading of a full general history of art. Read it to develop a greater understanding for some art classes that I'm taking at the University and I'm extremely glad I did!
A beautiful book which gives us a brief yet informative overview about 500 artists and from-a-to-z artistic movements.
4 star just because it's not enough for me. Still, a great one.
4 star just because it's not enough for me. Still, a great one.
Jan 09, 2011
Tidar Rachmadi
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
for-the-youth-at-heart,
immaculate-collection
I guess, no real artits really read this art book. But, this book is very artsy on the cover and 1000 times more artsy inside. And best of all, it's from Phaidon.
I love this book, It is a great reference book and has gotten me through college and university. Always my first step when doing any sort of artist research.
A comprehensive collection of art from medieval to modern times organized alphabetically. Love the book, but prefer my art books in larger format.
Jan 09, 2009
Laura
added it
I refer to this little book quite often. I am always looking for artists and their styles. I keep it very handy. It's a must have.
2 likes · like · see review
I use this book all the time. It is a great reference and a quick way to find works of art to use with the Artful thinking routines.
This book is filled with beautiful art that I've loved since I was a little child. My mother showed me it and it's inspired me ever since.
This is a very basic book on art movements. Not very detailed, ok for the coffee table, but don't expect any actual insight.
Great little reference book to use as an intro to art history. Not perfect, but think of it as a trip to a museum...
As far as an introduction to Important Art goes, you can't find a much better, more compact document than this.
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