The Handy Art History Answer Book (Handy Answer Book) - Softcover

"Using the series signature question-and-answer format, this title offers 600 entries on the major artists, schools, periods, movements, and techniques of art from all areas of the world. Recommended for junior and senior high school students and adult general readers." -- Library Journal

" ... a truly colorful gift."-- The Bookworm Sez

"...well-produced book offers basic information about elements of art and architecture, media employed, and a timeline of world art beginning with Prehistoric (from 35,000 B.C.) and continuing into the present. ... curious art explorers could very well start at the beginning and just devour the entire book; answers to particular questions will most likely lead on to others. ... With Leonardo's beautiful Ginevra de' Benci beckoning from cover and title page, any curious art-lover will find some intriguing information to investigate further."-- Children's Literature

The major art pieces, most important artists, and significant artistic movements from 35,000 BCE to today are collected together in this easy-to-read resource on art history. It leads you on a tour from the basics and beginnings of art to the various directions that art is heading today. You’ll not only learn about paintings, but also every other medium imaginable, including sculpture, architecture, pottery, photography, installation art, and even film and video games. The nearly 150 color images illustrate artistic concepts and highlight important and memorable artworks.

Loaded with 800 questions and answers on art principles, techniques, materials, forms, colors and styles, movements, schools of thoughts, evolution and meaning, The Handy Art History Answer Book is a fascinating journey around the world and through the ages. Why do Egyptian figures have two left feet? What is the difference between weaving and tapestry? What happened to the Venus de Milo's arms? What is considered beautiful in Islamic art? How can you recognize "a Michelangelo"? What is the significance of the Aztec eagle-man? How did Cezanne astonish Paris with apples”? What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco? Why do Jeff Koons’s balloon animals sell for millions of dollars?