Recommended Reading List for Art History Students
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Art history can be intimidating. Seemingly equanimous of endless movements, mediums, artists, and styles, diving into the written report may seem daunting. However, with the right book collection, yous'll realize that an understanding of art history is non only possible, but surprisingly accessible. After all, as Ralph Waldo Emerson famously claimed, "every artist was first an amateur."
And so, whether you're considering a career in arts management, an creative person looking to learn more nearly the story of your practice, or simply curious well-nigh fine art's evolution, these must-accept books for budding fine art historians belong on your shelf!
Here's a option of the all-time art history books for beginners.
Gardner'south Fine art Through the Ages
Gardner's Fine art Through the Ages has been the go-to source for aspiring art historians since 1926. Written by American art historian and educator Helen Gardner, the textbook offers a comprehensive and chronological look at fine art's history, offset with "The Birth of Art" and ending with contemporary piece of work.
There are currently 15 editions of this book as well as several modified adaptations, including "Concise" and "Enhanced" versions. For a general introduction to fine art history, however, we recommend "A Global History."
The Art Book
Featuring text compiled by curators, critics, artists, and academics accompanied by full-page pictures, Phaidon's iconic Art Book is "a valuable work of reference too as a feast for the eyes." This glossy anthology follows an alphabetical format, offer readers an A-Z guide of art history'due south most prolific artists spanning periods, schools, and styles.
Colorful and compact (it measures less than 7 inches by 5 inches), y'all can't go wrong with this classic volume.
The Collins Big Volume of Art: From Cave Art to Popular Art
The Collins Big Book of Art is a fantastic introduction to the world of fine art for those with express-to-no knowledge of the subject. It spans the history of art from cave paintings to the Renaissance to Impressionism to Popular Fine art. Comprising more than ane,200 works of fine art from around the world, each slice is labeled with the engagement, country, title, artist, materials, size, and electric current location.
50 Artists Y'all Should Know
Thursday 50 Artists You Should Know book profiles 50 famous artists throughout history and from various artistic movements. Arranged chronologically, readers can acquire about the evolution of visual fine art, starting with the Gothic period. In that location'due south as well a glossary of important art terms, so y'all can impress your friends at your next dinner party!
The Story of Art
The Story of Art by Professor E.H. Gombrich has been i of the bestselling books in the field for over 40 years. Written for "newcomers to fine art," this accessible, easy-to-read text features everything you need to grasp a general understanding of art history's timeline.
Since its publication in 1950, The Story of Art has been enhanced with captions, charts, and an index—though Gombrich'due south words accept been widely untouched.
Means of Seeing
In 1972, art critic and artist John Berger wrote Ways of Seeing , a book adapted from his BBC television serial of the aforementioned name. The avant-garde book comprises seven essays (3 of which are made up merely of images) that explore the mysterious "relation between what we encounter and what we know."
Distributed by Penguin Books, Ways of Seeing has been deemed a "Modern Classic" by the publishing house.
The Lives of the Artists
Italian painter, architect, historian, and writer Giorgio Vasari is predominantly known for two reasons: he coined the term Renaissance, and wrote The Lives of the Artists . Believed by many to be "the first important book on art history," this text presents an intimate and contemporaneous look at the lives and work of Italian Renaissance artists, from Giotto and Brunelleschi to Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
This edition is annotated, making it perfect for those interested in learning more about this iconic fine art movement.
Styles, Schools and Movements: The Essential Encyclopaedic Guide to Modern Art
Amy Dempsey's Styles, Schools and Movements: The Essential Encyclopaedic Guide to Modern Art is intended to familiarize readers with "one of the most dynamic and exciting periods in fine art history." Beginning with Impressionism and concluding with contemporary art, this compilation of essays highlights the near important piece of work over the terminal 150 years.
P lus, each main essay is supplemented with suggestions for further reading, putting you on the path to art history success.
The Duchamp Dictionary
Marcel Duchamp is celebrated equally i of the major figures of modern art. Given his profound influence, understanding his practice is central to grasping art of the last century. With The Duchamp Dictionary by Thomas Girst, breaking down the artist'southward avant-garde ideas is easy, equally it features 59 photos and "short, alphabetical dictionary entries that introduce his legacy in a clear and engaging manner."
Packed with data however playfully formatted, this reference book is great for seasoned art historians and novices alike.
Evidence Time: The fifty Well-nigh Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Art
Published in 2014, Show Fourth dimension: The 50 Virtually Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Fine art is one of art history's more than modern must-reads. Curator and Director and Head of Exhibitions and Public Programs at The Jewish Museum Jens Hoffmann has selected a listing of shows that accept "triggered profound changes in curatorial practice, and reanimated the potential of contemporary fine art" since 1990.
Divided into 9 sections and featuring installation photos and flooring plans, Show Time presents these ground-breaking exhibitions in an engaging and piece of cake-to-follow way.
Now, bank check out our list of books for artists!
This commodity has been edited and updated.
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Source: https://mymodernmet.com/best-art-history-books/
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