Western Art 1600-1800

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-With the exception of noting a few women artists, these two art histories are solidly traditional in content and approach. The lower third of each page is used for a running chronological commentary of key events; general reflections (``sculpture was a popular form of art during the nineteenth century'' [Powell]); and very brief notes on specific artists. The authors give weight to the evolution of artistic styles, from Mannerists to Realists to Impressionists. Some of the information is repeated in the ample captions that accompany the full-color reproductions (and a very few sculptures) at the top of the pages. Of course the task set is impossible and, as conceived, misleading. So much is left out: artist, patrons, countries, even continents, and many art forms. Only a few of the peaks, arbitrarily chosen, are included. And both authors use terms such as ``masterpiece'' and ``the greatest'' without properly explaining these accolades. As a dip into the almost boundless sea of art history, these books will suffice-but only if readers are then motivated to seek further immersion in more detailed resources.-Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, Columbus