Paintings That Changed the World: From Lascaux to Picasso

by Klaus Reichold, Bernhard Graf

Why is it that certain paintings fascinate us so? What is it about them that makes them so alluring? Whether prehistoric cave paintings or Renaissance masterpieces, this richly illustrated volume explains the story behind the people and events depicted in the world's most renowned works of art.
The authors offer compelling and other amusing insights and approach art's icons in a refreshingly unconventional manner. In a light, uncomplicated style, they describe why many of these works became symbols of an entire age. They take account of major themes, such as love, dreams, revolution, and war, to explain why certain works were considered important in their day, and why they have remained crucial ever since.
The headings of the individual texts succinctly describe the significance of each painting, and all works are exquisitely reproduced as full-page colour illustrations.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an expert in arts, but I really enjoyed this book. I discovered it in our trip to the south of Spain last year. And since then, I let myself enchanted by this book almost every day, which is a chronological selection of important paintings, starting with Lascaux cave painting of bulls and ending with Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe.

I took my time and discovered a new wonderful painting every time, which also comes together with a story about important events that impacted and eventually changed the world. It is also amazing to see the evolution of art styles, mostly from the medieval area until the postmodernism. This book does not explain the style or the history of arts, nonetheless it was a soul delight and I cherished all the moments spent reading it.

[James Piper]

I loved this book. Granted it's subjective, but it provides a painting (loosely defined) and provides some commentary about why it is or was important. There are about 50 items dating back to antiquity to the modern period. A couple of pages for each one.

I defy anyone to not look at Rembrandt painting and not be in awe.

There's a mosaic of Theodora, a Roman consort, that is haunting and based on her bio would be the subject of a riping good story.

For those who are curious about art or simply wonder in aesethics.

[José Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro muy interesante que hace un recorrido no sólo del arte sino de acontecimientos históricos o de la vida de algunos pintores valiéndose de obras de referencia en la pintura de todos los tiempos. No analiza las obras en cuanto a composición, color, sino que da una visión más amplia del tipo de estilos y nos muestra una serie de curiosidades muy interesantes.

[marin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

[Jb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed, learned a lot, but wonder about the title; world changing art perhaps more accurate in most cases.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attractive layout, good reproductions, but curious in that it offers little explanation about why a particular painting "changed the world". Also, selections are curious. E.g., arguably the most famous painting of the 20th century, Guernica, is not included.

[Alyssa Greatbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good paintings with a full page of information on each.