The Art Book

Embark on a grand tour of art history and explore more than 80 of the world’s most important works of art with this guide to the story of art.

Part of DK’s bestselling Big Ideas series, The Art Book explores the world’s most groundbreaking works of art by history’s most influential painters, sculptors, and artists. Discover key artworks and artists from around the globe, stretching from the prehistoric Altamira cave paintings and Chinese jade carvings to a range of art movements such as impressionism, symbolism, cubism, and pop art.

Understand the ideas that inspired masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Klimt, Matisse, Picasso, and dozens more, with The Art Book’s fascinating overview of painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, conceptual art, and performance art, from ancient history to the modern day. Study subject matter, techniques, and materials, and learn about the talented artists behind the great works.

Using the Big Ideas series’ trademark combination of authoritative, accessible text and bold graphics, The Art Book unpacks the symbolism and wider historical and cultural context of key artworks. Packed with stunning photographs and insightful quotations from key artists and critics, art has never been more accessible. Whether you are interested in medieval art, portrait paintings, or art nouveau, you will find plenty to celebrate in this book.