The Entire Story of Art

There is no society that has not produced works of art. For humans, depiction, ornamentation, storytelling, and music are as natural as birds building nests. The forms art has taken have radically changed in different times and places, influenced by social and cultural conditions. What was the original purpose of these artistic endeavors, and how can we understand them today? Why did art flourish in certain periods of history? Why are some artworks so significant? The Whole Story of Art begins with a clear and straightforward historical panorama that places art within the context of social and cultural developments worldwide since primitive societies. This chronologically organized book traces artistic developments from period to period and movement to movement. The comprehensive text, supported by visuals, encompasses all styles of art, from painting to sculpture, from conceptual art to performance art. Detailed analyses of the work and ideas of major artists reveal how one artist influenced others and what they sought to achieve with their work. The detailed cultural history timeline clarifies historical contexts. Furthermore, in this book, masterpieces that embody the defining characteristics of each period or movement are analyzed in detail and highlighted. Everything from the use of color to visual metaphors, from technical innovations to lasting legacies, is explained, giving you the opportunity to interpret the meaning of world-renowned masterpieces. You will be astonished by the complexity of Mughal miniatures, learn the significance of 19th-century Japanese prints; understand the science behind the color theories that inspired Seurat's extraordinary series La Grande Jatte, and discover why Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon caused such a shock in its time. Since the earliest prehistoric carvings and cave paintings, humanity has felt the need to record its creative impact. Today, the desire to draw, paint, and sculpt is more evident than ever and continues to remind us who we are and how we live. If you love art and want to understand it better, you don't need to look any further than the pages of The Whole Story of Art.

• The easiest-to-understand world art history book ever published
• Over 1100 full-color illustrations of the most famous artworks
• All art forms from painting and sculpture to conceptual art
• Fluid and easy-to-read page design