Understand Art History

Book excerpt: Is this the right book for me? Are you interested in art? Do you want to develop your own opinions? Would you like to get more out of your visits to galleries and exhibitions? Art History: Teach Yourself is a comprehensive and unpretentious guide that will ensure you gain a solid grounding in this fascinating subject. It begins by asking the fundamental question, 'what exactly is art?' before delving into the main historical approaches and interpretations, such as formalism, postmodernism and context. The different art periods, styles and genres are all considered in detail and illustrated with well-known examples, as are painting techniques and the way in which art is presented in museums and galleries. So, whether you are preparing for a course in art history or just want to gain confidence in your own opinions, this is the book for you. Understand Art History includes: Chapter 1: What is art and what is art history? Art: different things in different times and places Artistic status What is a 'good' painting Chapter 2: Judging by appearances Formalism: What it means Formalism and art history Chapter 3: Looking beyond the picture frame Art in context The life of the artist: biography Representing gender . Chapter 4: Art today: contemporary ways of looking Where to start? Postmodernism and art histories Seeing difference: non-Western art Chapter 5: Art in museums and galleries: spectacle and display The art museum experience The art exhibition and the 'blockbuster' show Museums and exhibitions: other meanings Chapter 6: Categorizing the history of art Art periods and styles Painting materials and techniques Finding out more: what to look for Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.