Look!: Art History Fundamentals

by Anne D'Alleva

Written in a casual, personable, and unassuming style, this handbook introduces readers to the basic methods of art history and the visual and contextual analysis of works of art, and teaches them how to use these types of analysis in writing about art. Features a balanced selection of examples drawn from the arts of Europe, the United States, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and the Americas. Provides a comprehensive bibliography of art history periodicals, general guides and reference works, websites, history of art history, as well as writings by period and theme. Art History as a Discipline. The Fundamentals of Interpretation: Formal and Contextual Analysis. Writing Art History Papers. Navigating Art History Examinations. For those, particularly novices, interested in the contextual analysis of works of art.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History

First published July 15, 2003

Reviews

[George Ilsley]

A handbook for art history students; so it a bit of a mixed bag. There is basic advice on writing art history papers (give yourself time to edit, go for a walk to clear your head), as well as examples of how to approach different works of art. Most illustrations are given in black and white.

I skipped the chapter on exam question strategies. However, the final chapter on the history of art history is perfect for a reader (me!) who knows almost nothing about almost everything.

[shems]

great resource ! always good to have a little refresher !!

[Andreea]

Neither good nor bad, just a bit boring and basic for an art history book. The last chapter about the history of art history was by far the most entertaining, probably because it contained excerpts from other books.

[Patrick]

I wish all of my textbooks were this concise.