The Bottom Line
Pros
- 500 large-format paintings.
- Easy A-to-Z organization.
- Includes all major artists from medieval to modern
Cons
- Limited information about each artist.
- Only one painting to represent an artist's style.
- No email or web addresses in museum directory.
Description
- 512 pages. Original edition a large format hardback. Also available as paperback and pocket version paperback.
- Publisher: Phaidon Press Inc.
- Format: One large photo of a painting on each page. Artists arranged from A to Z.
- Books on the Works of the Great Painters
Guide Review - The Art Book
500 of the world's greatest painters from medieval times to today in one book. Instead of arranging the artists according to period, school, or technique, they're in strict A to Z order from Agasse to Zurbaran.
Each artist has a page, most of which is taken up with one painting characteristic of their work. At the top of the page is a concise description of the work and the painter's life.
At the back is a glossary of artistic movements and technical terms, plus a directory of museums and galleries. There are no heavy durty art-theory or art-history essays, no placing of the paintings in their historical context, supplementary illustrations, or other works by the artist. It's a portable gallery where you judge each painting as they stand.
I think it's perfect for browsing through when the final painting is your main interest, when you're looking for inspiration or want to discover new painters.
