Overview
"The fifty-four masterpieces selected give full expression to the spirit of the different cultures in which they were created. World Art: Europe presents a panorama of artworks, ranging from the cave paintings at Chauvet and Early Cycladic figures, works from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, to more recent works by such influential artists as Monet, van Gogh, Picasso, or Beuys." Several traditions are unique to the history of art in Europe, such as the depiction of the individual since the Renaissance period; nowhere else can such exquisite paintings on panel be seen, and seldom is such a brilliant synthesis of the arts to be found as in Gothic cathedrals or in the masterpieces of the Baroque period. Creative genius was accorded respect even in Antiquity, and since the Middle Ages the names of important masters have been known to successive generations. Objects from cultural environments as far apart as Scotland and Crete, the Scythian Steppes, or Samothrace are included alongside works from central European countries such as Italy, Germany, or France. In addition to painting, masterpieces in marble, bronze, and terra-cotta are featured, as well as mosaics, tapestries, stained glass, and objects made of wood, porcelain, and gold. Each of these stunning works of art is accompanied by a cogent commentary by a renowned scholar.Synopsis
This second volume in the World Art series illustrates the sweeping breadth and diversity of Europe s artistic history, from prehistoric cave drawings to 20th century abstraction. With an introductory essay, timeline and visually inviting two-page spreads, this volume offers superb color reproductions of important paintings, sculptures, tapestries, glasswork, mosaics and other European masterpieces accompanied by cogent commentary from renowned scholars.
The fifty carefully selected works shown here give full expression to the spirit of the cultures in which they were created. Objects from the early Cycladic civilization, the Greek and Roman empires, medieval, Gothic and Renaissance periods are represented here, as well as more recent works from the 18th through 20th centuries. Portraits and secular paintings illustrate Europe s ascendance in the field of representational art, and its tradition of depicting the individual since the Renaissance. Including examples of modern art, this volume displays works in a wide variety of media showing the impressive range of creative achievements over thousands of years of artistic production. A fascinating survey that will be of interest to experts and students alike, this visual journey through European civilization offers a panoramic history of art that informed and transformed the West.