Art: The Whole Story

Written by an international team of artists, art historians and curators, Art: The Whole Story gives readers unparalleled insights into the world’s most iconic artworks. Organized chronologically, this revised edition traces the evolution of artistic development period by period right up to the present, with the illustrated text covering every genre of art, from painting and sculpture to conceptual art and performance. Cultural timelines help the reader with historical context.

Masterpieces that epitomize each period or movement are highlighted and analysed in detail. Everything from use of colour and visual metaphors to technical innovations is explained, enabling you to interpret the meanings of world-famous masterpieces – Mughal miniatures; Japanese prints in the 19th century; the colour theories behind Seurat’s remarkable La Grande Jatte; and why Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon was so shocking in its day.