For one-semester courses in 19th-Century Art, and two-semester courses that cover the periods of 1760-1830 and 1830-1900. This essential survey of European art and visual culture in the nineteenth-century treats art forms within a broad historical framework to show the connections between visual cultural production and the political, social, and economic order of the time. Nineteenth-Century European Art was written to address a need in the market for a readable undergraduate textbook dealing with the period from 1760-1900. The new edition has been revised based in response to reviewer comments and criticisms, making it an even better and more readable book.
Unfortunately, although this textbook is easy to read, I would not even recommend it to people just beginning to study art history. It is not in-depth, nor does it provide a solid foundation in the approaches to art analysis. Important historical periods, such as the French Revolution, are unevenly treated and important artworks from the period are either not included or not written about in an analytical fashion. Sadly, Petra Chu's text is merely a gloss and other supplementary texts or lectures will be needed for readers to acquire an adequate understanding of 19th century European art.
Amazing prints and most are in colour. Although the book doesn't and can't go into each artist and movement in great detail it is a great starting point and reference to have. It is a beautiful book that is a joy to sit and flip through if not read. It also provides immensely helpful historical background and puts each movement and piece of art into context making you see it in another light.