Many of us have barely scratched the surface when it comes to truly appreciating art. We may know of certain famous artists and their work but have probably not taken the time to consider them deeply or to gain an opinion about them one way or another. Now World Art offers the perfect, definitive introduction to art and its appreciation.

The richly illustrated core of the book provides the reader with a wealth of artists from all comers of the globe and examples of their work to contemplate, along with concise text on the background of the artist and their work. Organized chronologically into the main 'eras' of art, the reader is taken on a journey through time, from the Gothic and Medieval Era, through Baroque and Rococo, to the Modem Era...

Many of us have barely scratched the surface when it comes to truly appreciating art. We may know of certain famous artists and their work but have probably not taken the time to consider them deeply or to gain an opinion about them one way or another. Now World Art offers the perfect, definitive introduction to art and its appreciation.

The richly illustrated core of the book provides the reader with a wealth of artists from all comers of the globe and examples of their work to contemplate, along with concise text on the background of the artist and their work. Organized chronologically into the main 'eras' of art, the reader is taken on a journey through time, from the Gothic and Medieval Era, through Baroque and Rococo, to the Modem Era. In this way the development and changes in style over the centuries unfolds before your eyes. Works illustrated include Raphael's famous School of Athens from the Vatican Stanze, Gustav Klimt's shimmering The Kiss, and one of Jackson Pollock's frenetic drip paintings Number 6.

To further enrich this visual experience the Introduction discusses the meaning of 'Art' and the key elements to consider, while Art Movements sets the artists within their historical context, explaining the many styles and movements that have arisen through artists' pursuit of ideals and self expression. A final section on Painting Techniques enables the reader to gain yet more understanding of the way in which works are created and the results obtained from using different media.

Foreword by Mike O'Mahony

Introduction

Art Movements

Artists by Era

The Gothic & Medieval Era

The Renaissance Era

The Baroque & Rococo Era

The Neoclassicism & Romanticism Era

The Era of Impressionism

The Era of Post-lmpressionism

The Modern Era

Painting Techniques

Resources

Acknowledgements

Index by Painting

General Index