The Art Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

Discover what makes a piece a significant work of art and tour history's greatest masterpieces. See the master works of Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and more.

From prehistoric cave paintings to postmodern art, The Art Book explores more than 100 different movements, periods, and works throughout history, including ancient Assyrian sculpture and contemporary Japanese multimedia works. Art's theories and themes are more approachable and easier to understand through innovative graphics and creative typography.

Part of DK's award-winning Big Ideas Simply Explained series, The Art Book profiling more than 100 artists and 200 pieces of work, and covers paintings, drawing, sculptures, ready-mades, land art, installations, and more. Follow how art changed in the Medieval world to the 18th century to the modern age. Study famous pieces of art including Venus of Willendorf, The Book of Kells, and Rembrandt's Self-Portrait. Learn the differences between Paul C zanne, Henri Matisse, and Roy Lichtenstein.

With stunning images and graphics, clear writing, an artist directory, and a vocabulary glossary, The Art Book is the perfect introduction to the complex and exciting world of art.