Description

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A fresh take on the history of art, using cultural timelines to reveal little-known connections and influences between artworks and artistic movements

Most surveys of the history of art are divided into historic periods, artistic schools, and movements. In reality, movements and artists’ careers overlap and intertwine, reacting to events in the world around them. By prioritizing a purely chronological approach, A Chronology of Art illuminates these relationships from a fresh perspective and places the developments of the art world into context with one another.

Structured around a central timeline covering Ancient & Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque, Rococo & Neoclassicism, Romanticism & Beyond, and The Modern Era, the book features lavish illustrations of artworks, together with commentaries, and lively “In Focus” features with information about the social, stylistic, technical, political, and cultural events of each period.

This approach reveals little- known connections: the most illustrious Neoclassical painting (David’s Oath of the Horatii) was executed just a couple of years after one of the best-known Romantic scenes (Fuseli’s The Nightmare); and American artist James Whistler, who had attended West Point Military Academy, was creating his finest work in Europe at the very time when his homeland was being torn apart by civil war.

About the Author

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Iain Zaczek writes widely on art and design. His many books include: The Impressionists, Essential Art Deco, Celtic Art and Design, and The Art of Illuminated Manuscripts: Illustrated Sacred Writings. He was also a contributing author to Art: The Definitive Visual Guide.

Praise For…

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This survey of art history from prehistory to the present day is presented in time­line form to highlight the relationships between significant artworks and important historical events…interspersed with thematic essays that highlight significant artistic, political, and technological developments. Lavishly illustrated with 350 full-color reproductions.
— Booklist

Hundreds of full-color illustrations and a time line of political. technological. social, and cultural events provide illuminating context to the art of Europe, the Middle East, China, Japan. Australia, and more… Engaging… Students and art lovers will gain ‘a deeper understanding of the influences behind some of the world's greatest artworks and a new insight into the story of art itself.’
— Library Journal