The Art Book (Big Ideas)

What makes something a work of art? How did the ancient Greeks give form to ideal beauty? Does color exert a direct influence on the soul? This book examines these questions and more by exploring key movements, themes, and styles of art through more than 200 works across a wide range of media.

Written in plain English, The Art Book cuts through the jargon of art history and theory, and is packed with images of the world's greatest works of art and witty infographics that explore the ideas behind them. From prehistoric fertility figures to contemporary video installations, this is the perfect primer to world art.

Whether you're a student of art or simply an avid gallery-goer, you'll find plenty of thought-provoking insights into old favorites and newly discovered gems here.