{"id":141689,"date":"2023-07-07T23:20:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-08T03:20:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/?p=141689"},"modified":"2023-07-12T17:52:36","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T21:52:36","slug":"best-art-history-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/best-art-history-books\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Essential Art History Books for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_141891\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141891\" class=\"size-full wp-image-141891\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners Intro to Art History Introduction to Art History\" width=\"750\" height=\"908\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-248x300.jpg 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-141891\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/affiliate-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our disclosure<\/a> for more info.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Art history can be intimidating. Seemingly composed of countless movements, mediums, artists, and styles, diving into the study may seem daunting. However, with the right book collection, you'll realize that an understanding of art history is not only possible but surprisingly attainable. After all, as Ralph Waldo Emerson famously claimed, &#8220;every artist was first an amateur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>So, whether you're considering a <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/category\/career\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">career<\/a> in arts management, an artist looking to learn more about the story of your practice, or simply curious about art's evolution, these must-have books for budding art historians belong on your shelf! Among this collection of the <strong>best art history books for beginners<\/strong>, you will find anthologies of famous paintings, sculptures, and other artwork, as well as texts covering architecture, art movements, and beyond.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Here's a selection of the best art history books for beginners.<\/h2>\n\n<h3><strong><em>Gardner's Art Through the Ages<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141717\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amz.run\/6Jqs\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141717\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141717 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 959&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-1.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"959\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-1-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141717\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141717 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-1.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-1-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amz.run\/6Jqs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">Wadsworth Publishing <\/a> | $62.91+<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amz.run\/6Jqs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><em>Gardner's Art Through the Ages<\/em><\/strong><\/a> has been the go-to source for aspiring art historians since 1926. Written by&nbsp;American art historian and educator Helen Gardner, the textbook offers a comprehensive and chronological look at art's history, beginning with &#8220;The Birth of Art&#8221; and ending with <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/what-is-contemporary-art-definition\/\">contemporary work<\/a>. It covers the work of iconic figures like <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/van-gogh-sunflower-paintings\/\">Vincent van Gogh<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/edouard-manet-infographic\/\">&Eacute;douard Manet<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/claude-monet-water-lilies\/\">Claude Monet<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/jackson-pollock-paintings\/\">Jackson Pollock<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n<p>There are currently 15 editions of this book as well as several modified adaptations, including &#8220;Concise&#8221; and &#8220;Enhanced&#8221; versions. For a general introduction to art history, however, we recommend &#8220;A Global History.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>The Art Book<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141718\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780714864679\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141718\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141718 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 896&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-2.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"896\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-2-251x300.jpg 251w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141718\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141718 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-2.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-2-251x300.jpg 251w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141718\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780714864679\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Phaidon<\/a> | $59.95<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Featuring text compiled by curators, critics, artists, and academics accompanied by full-page pictures, Phaidon's iconic<strong><em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780714864679\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Art Book<\/a><\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;is &#8220;a&nbsp;valuable work of reference as well as a feast for the eyes.&#8221; This glossy anthology follows an alphabetical format, offering readers an A-Z guide of art history's most prolific artists spanning periods, schools, and styles.<\/p>\n<p>Colorful and compact (it measures less than&nbsp;7 inches by 5 inches), you can't go wrong with this classic book.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>The Collins Big Book of Art: From Cave Art to Pop Art<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_270632\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780060832858\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270632\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-270632 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 860&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-2.jpg\" alt=\"Art History Books\" width=\"750\" height=\"860\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-2-262x300.jpg 262w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270632\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-270632 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-2.jpg\" alt=\"Art History Books\" width=\"750\" height=\"860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-2-262x300.jpg 262w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-270632\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780060832858\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">David G. Wilkins<\/a> | $39.95<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780060832858\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong><em>The Collins Big Book of Art<\/em><\/strong><\/a> is a fantastic introduction to the world of art for those with limited-to-no knowledge of the subject. It spans the history of art from <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/altamira-cave-paintings\/\">cave paintings<\/a> to the Renaissance to <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/what-is-impressionism-definition\/\">Impressionism<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/what-is-pop-art-definition\/\">Pop Art<\/a>. Comprising more than 1,200 works of art from around the world, each piece is labeled with the date, country, title, artist, materials, size, and current location. All of the beautiful illustrations are carefully selected to give you a thorough overview.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>50 Artists You Should Know<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_270634\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/32twpVo\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270634\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-270634 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 939&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-1.jpg\" alt=\"Art History Books\" width=\"750\" height=\"939\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-1-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-270634\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-270634 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-1.jpg\" alt=\"Art History Books\" width=\"750\" height=\"939\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/art-history-books-update-1-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-270634\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/32twpVo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Prestel<\/a> | $19.95<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/32twpVo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>50 Artists You Should Know<\/strong><\/a> book provides insight into 50 <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/famous-artists\/\">famous artists<\/a> throughout history and from various <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/important-art-movements\/\">artistic movements<\/a>, including female artists who are often overlooked. Arranged chronologically, readers can learn about the evolution of visual art, starting with the <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/gothic-architecture-characteristics\/\">Gothic period<\/a>. There's also a glossary of important art terms, so you can impress your friends at your next dinner party!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"title\" class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><strong><em><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">The Story of Art<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141722\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780714832470\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141722\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141722 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 1068&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1068\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6-211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6-719x1024.jpg 719w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141722\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141722 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6-211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-6-719x1024.jpg 719w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780714832470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Phaidon <\/a> | $46.45<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780714832470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong><em>The Story of Art<\/em><\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;by Professor E.H. Gombrich has been one of the bestselling books in the field for over 40 years.&nbsp;Written for &#8220;newcomers to art,&#8221; this accessible, easy-to-read text features everything you need to grasp a general understanding of art history's timeline.<\/p>\n<p>Since its publication in 1950, <em>The Story of Art<\/em>&nbsp;has been enhanced with captions, charts, and an index&mdash;though Gombrich's words have been widely untouched.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>Ways of Seeing<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141719\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780140135152\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141719\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141719 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 1163&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1163\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3-660x1024.jpg 660w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141719\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141719 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-3-660x1024.jpg 660w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780140135152\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Penguin Books <\/a> | $15.81<\/p><\/div>\n<p>In 1972, art critic and artist John Berger wrote <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780140135152\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong><em>Ways of Seeing<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, a book adapted from his BBC television series of the same name. The <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/avant-garde-art-definition\/\">avant-garde<\/a> book comprises seven&nbsp;essays (three of which are made up only of images)&nbsp;that explore the mysterious &#8220;relation between what we see and what we know.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Distributed by Penguin Books, <em>Ways of Seeing<\/em>&nbsp;has been deemed a &#8220;Modern Classic&#8221; by&nbsp;the publishing house.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>The Lives of the Artists<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141720\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780199537198\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141720\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141720 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 1160&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1160\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4-662x1024.jpg 662w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141720\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141720 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-4-662x1024.jpg 662w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780199537198\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Oxford World's Classics <\/a> | $12.04<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Italian&nbsp;painter, architect, historian, and writer Giorgio Vasari is predominantly known for two reasons: he coined the term <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/italian-renaissance-art-definition\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Renaissance<\/em><\/a>, and wrote <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9780199537198\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em><strong>The Lives of the Artists<\/strong><\/em><\/a>. Believed by many to be &#8220;the first important book on art history,&#8221; this text presents an intimate and contemporaneous look at the lifetimes and works of Italian <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/renaissance-artists\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Renaissance artists<\/a>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/giotto-life-and-art\/\">Giotto<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/filippo-brunelleschi-dome\/\">Brunelleschi<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/leonardo-da-vinci-facts\/\">Leonardo da Vinci<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/michelangelo-facts\/\">Michelangelo<\/a>, and Raphael.<\/p>\n<p>This edition is annotated, making it perfect for those interested in learning more about this iconic art movement.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"title\" class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><strong><em><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">Styles, Schools and Movements: The Essential Encyclopaedic Guide to Modern Art<\/span>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141721\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2xtarpS\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141721\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141721 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 1031&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1031\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5-745x1024.jpg 745w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141721\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141721 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-5-745x1024.jpg 745w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2xtarpS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Thames & Hudson <\/a> | $34.95<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"title\" class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2xtarpS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>Amy Dempsey<\/strong>&#8216;s <strong><em>Styles, Schools and Movements: The Essential Encyclopaedic Guide to Modern Art<\/em><\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;is intended to familiarize readers with &#8220;one of the most dynamic and exciting periods in art history.&#8221; Beginning with <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/what-is-impressionism-definition\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Impressionism<\/a> and concluding with <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/what-is-contemporary-art-definition\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contemporary art<\/a>, this compilation of essays highlights the most important work over the last 150 years. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">P<\/span><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">lus, each main essay is supplemented with suggestions for further reading, putting you on the path to art history success.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><em>The Duchamp Dictionary&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141723\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2L8AJPY\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141723\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141723 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 1109&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1109\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7-693x1024.jpg 693w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141723\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141723 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"1109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-7-693x1024.jpg 693w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141723\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2L8AJPY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Thames & Hudson <\/a> | $29.80<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/marcel-duchamp-art\/\">Marcel Duchamp<\/a> is celebrated as one of the major figures of <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/what-is-modern-art-definition\/\">modern art<\/a>. Given his profound influence, understanding his practice is key to grasping the art of the 20th century. With <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2L8AJPY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong><em>The Duchamp Dictionary<\/em> <\/strong><\/a>by Thomas Girst, breaking down the artist's avant-garde ideas is easy, as it features 59 photos and &#8220;short, alphabetical dictionary entries that introduce his legacy in a clear and engaging way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Packed with information yet playfully formatted, this reference book is great for seasoned art historians and novices alike.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"title\" class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><strong><em><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">Show Time: The 50 Most Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Art<\/span>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_141724\" style=\"width: 760px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9781938922336\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141724\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141724 size-full\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 750 949&quot;&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-8.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"949\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-8.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-8-237x300.jpg 237w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-141724\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-141724 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-8.jpg\" alt=\"Best Art History Books for Beginners\" width=\"750\" height=\"949\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-8.jpg 750w, https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/best-art-history-books-8-237x300.jpg 237w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-141724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9781938922336\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Distributed Art Publishers, Inc. <\/a> | $23.20<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"title\" class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">Published in 2014, <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/17156\/9781938922336\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><i><strong>Show Time: The 50 Most Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary Art<\/strong> <\/i><\/a>is one of art&nbsp;history's more modern must-reads. Curator and Director and Head of Exhibitions and Public Programs at The Jewish Museum Jens Hoffmann has selected a list of shows that have &#8220;triggered profound changes in curatorial practice, and reanimated the potential of <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/contemporary-art\" title=\"contemporary art\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"\">contemporary art<\/a>&#8221; since 1990. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"a-size-large a-spacing-none\"><span id=\"productTitle\" class=\"a-size-large\">Divided into 9 sections and featuring installation photos and floor plans, <em>Show Time<\/em> presents these ground-breaking exhibitions in an engaging and easy-to-follow way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Now, check out our list of <a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/best-books-for-artists\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">books for artists<\/a>!<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>This article has been edited and updated.<\/h4>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Related Articles:<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/art-books-gift-guide-2016\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">15 Must-Have Art Books for the Creative Mind<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/10-childrens-art-books\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10 Inspiring Children&rsquo;s Books for Budding Little Artists<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/free-art-books-getty-publications-virtual-library\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">250+ Free Art Books You Can Get on Getty Museum&rsquo;s Virtual Library<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/free-books-online-met-museum\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Metropolitan Museum of Art Now Offers Over 1,600 Free Art Books Online<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mymodernmet.com\/guggenheim-museum-free-books-online\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Guggenheim Museum Releases Over 200 Modern Art Books Online for Free<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Art history can be intimidating. Seemingly composed of countless movements, mediums, artists, and styles, diving into the study may seem daunting. However, with the right book collection, you&#8217;ll realize that an understanding of art history is not only possible but surprisingly attainable. After all, as Ralph Waldo Emerson famously claimed, &#8220;every artist was first an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":304,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[110898,374594,78791],"tags":[63247,32477,83615,31170],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.2 (Yoast SEO v22.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Introduction to Art History: Best Art History Books for Beginners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whether you&#039;re considering a career in arts management, or just simply curious about art&#039;s evolution, these art history books belong on your shelf.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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