Art History, Volume II - Softcover

Stokstad, Marilyn

3.9

383 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0133575276 ISBN 13: 9780133575279

Publisher: Prentice Hall College Div, 1995

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Engaging and accessible, Abrams' first completely new world survey of the history of art in 20 years is fun to read and use--a rewarding source of information and revelation. The book includes special illustrated sections on techniques, and all terms--even the most basic--are defined, plus a 900-entry glossary. Bibliography & index. 1,625 illustrations, 761 in color. 29 maps. 29 timelines.

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Review:

This attractively packaged two-volume set attempts an almost impossible task: to present the art of the entire world, from vibrant cave paintings dating back 30,000 years to the creative trends of the late 20th century. Though the arts of Europe are the most thoroughly analyzed, respected scholars in several specialized fields cover other cultures with cogent essays. A more unusual feature is the space devoted to art created by women, such as the late-Renaissance painters Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana--the latter was invited in 1560 to be an official painter at the Spanish court. Relationships between the art of different cultures are emphasized and, while each section can stand alone, each is shown to fit meaningfully into the overall development of the world's artistic heritage. Beautiful images grace the production's 1,200 pages, not only well-known icons but a wealth of lesser-known gems are here, carefully chosen to demonstrate the points made in the text. There are many delightful surprises among the illustrations, many of which are in color, printed to high quality standards in Japan. For instance, line drawings explain technical details, from "Lost-wax Bronze-casting" to "Elements of the Skyscraper." A vast amount of information is presented, but it is very well organized and easy to access, and an extensive glossary answers many questions. Marilyn Stokstad's Art History is a true tour de force, and its light and humanistic approach is a refreshing change from previous encyclopedic art-historical studies. --John Stevenson

From the Publisher:

Marilyn Stokstad's Art History is the art history text for a new generation of teachers and students. Presenting a global view of art through the centuries, Art History introduces the beginning student in a positive and sympathetic manner to the works of all artists including women and artists of color, and to the arts of other continents and regions in addition to those of Western Europe and the United States. Balancing both the traditions of art history and new trends of the present, Art History is the most comprehensive, accessible, and magnificently illustrated work of its kind.

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