Lynne Lancaster

THE ART BOOK : NEW EDITION

Very thick and heavy,  lavishly,  lushly illustrated, this new edition also contains a glossary of technical terms, another of artistic movements and an index. Over 500 of the greatest artists from the Middle Ages to the present day are included in this impressive, glossy new edition.

Arranged in alphabetical order , from Berenice Abbott and Maina Abramovic to Francesco Zuccarelli and Francisco de Zurburan , each artist has a one paragraph biography and is represented by just one image of their work. Artists they were influenced by or are similar in style to are cross referenced. The dates of the artists’ lives are down the bottom of the page as is the date and media of the work. Painting, photography, sculpture, conceptual and performance art are included but not architecture.

There is a major European and American focus in the artists chosen although some Asian artists are included . Female artist are certainly not forgotten, but Lindy Lee (who has an exhibition currently on display at the MCA here), Tracey Emin ,Elisabeth Vigee Le-Brun and Julia Margaret Cameron do not get mentioned. But then neither do Francois Boucher, Eadward Muybridge or Jean Cocteau to name just a few.

Only two Australian artist are included – Sir Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd. So , no mention of Brett Whitely ,John Coburn , Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Margaret Preston ,Albert Namatjira , Margaret Olley, Russell Drysdale , Imants Tillers ,Geoffrey Smart, Grace Cossington Smith ,John Olsen, Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin , Sir Han Heysen , Tracey Moffatt ,Del Kathryn Barton to name just some. New Zealand artists don’t get a mention at all.

THE ART BOOK is a great library or reference resource to use as a jumping off point for further information,study and exploration .It is also interesting to compare the different schools and styles,techniques and perspectives. Designers and teachers will find it a nifty visual resource too. It is also a great (if heavy and large) introduction for those new to art or seeking to examine art history in a fresh way.

https://www.phaidon.com/store/art/the-art-book-revised-edition-9781838661342/

published August 2020
• Format: Hardback
• Size: 245 x 210 mm (9 5/8 x 8 1/4 in)
• Pages: 592 pp
• Illustrations: 575 illustrations
• ISBN: 9781838661342

Featured image: Claude Monet ‘Poppy Field’

Published by Lynne Lancaster

A passionate theatre person Lynne is originally from Sydney and holds a B.Ed (Art) - a postgraduate Diploma in Information Management (Librarianship) and an MA in Theatre. While living in London ( 2002 -2007 ) Lynne completed the dance criticism course at Sadlers Wells linked in with Chichester University. Lynne has worked for both Ticketek and Ticketmaster here in Australia and was involved with the original production of THE BOY FROM OZ An Ausdance member Lynne is passionate about dance and has studied ballet and Flamenco. Before moving to London she photographed the Sydney Dance Company and Australian Ballet among other companies and has exhibited internationally. Lynne is a SAMAG member and a volunteer at the Art Gallery of NSW. Currently Lynne writes for arthub, danceinforma and sydneyartsguide.