Picture This: A First Introduction to Painting

A survey of Western art from 1400 to 1950 introduces major movements, techniques, and themes, examining works by artists as varied as Jackson Pollack, Titian, Rembrandt, Chardin, and Picasso

Woolf offers a conventional introduction to art history by analyzing 24 paintings, which are arranged chronologically to illustrate periods and schools of art from 1400 to 1950. The paintings are all famous works of art, such as Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" and Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait," and are chosen to represent the main eras in art from 15th - century manuscript illumination to Jackson Pollock and abstract expressionism. A substantial text accompanies each painting, describing the artist's work and giving interesting facts about the creation of a particular painting and how the work reflects its time. The vocabulary of art and art criticism can be learned by noting the words in bold print, all of which can be found in the glossary. Although only two women painters are included, Woolf is able to work into the text some comments on women in history and their representation in art. Picture This is a solid, up-to-date , and informative introduction to major paintings of the past .
-Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This ambitious survey covers 27 works of art ranging from a 15th-century illuminated manuscript to a Jackson Pollack drip painting. The subtitle is somewhat of a misnomer: the book's focus on social, commercial and technical matters rather than the basic elements of story, shape and color make it better suited for children who are already attracted to art and want to learn about techniques and historical contexts. The introduction offers a politically responsible overview, giving credit to art created by women and non-Western cultures. (Two paintings by women are included, and the author writes that the Asian, African and South American artistic traditions deserve their own books.) Woolf's respectful tone verges on pedantry, but her pairings of word and image occasionally take wing, as when she relates the exciting story of Diana and Actaeon next to Titian's painting. Similarly, the account of a late Rembrandt self-portrait poignantly underscores the artist's fall from favor by pointing out his careworn expression and simple attire. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.