Art of the Western World

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In this beautifully illustrated and comprehensive volume, readers embark on a journey through the greatest art and architecture of Western civilization. This companion to a nine-part PBS series traces the history of Western art from its classical roots in ancient Greece to the international Post-Modernism of diverse artists like Christo, Hockney, and Kiefer. Experts Bruce Cole and Adelheid Gealt chart the evolution of the Western tradition, exploring the grandeur of Roman architecture, the symbolic language of medieval art, the unparalleled achievements of the Renaissance, and the emotionalism of Romantics such as Turner and Constable. They also delve into the Impressionists' quest for a new reality and the revolutionary spirit of twentieth-century Abstract Expressionists. The book integrates the works of each period with the history, values, and ideals that shaped them, highlighting the influence of patrons like the Medicis, the resurgence of classical styles following the French Revolution, and the break from tradition seen in Impressionist works. It also examines the tortured visions of a world scarred by war, as depicted by artists like Picasso and Marc. Offering a valuable key to understanding the language of art, this guide provides fresh insights into the significance of great works at the time of their creation and their enduring relevance today.