The Little Book of Art History

An easy and extensive introduction to art history that appeals to both younger and older readers.

This book gives everyone, young and old, an easy and accessible introduction to the history of art - from cave paintings to contemporary art. With humorous illustrations and texts written in an approachable language, the book provides an overview of both isms, styles, and significant artists not only making the reader better equipped to meet art in real life but also inspiring us to actually seek it out.

The Danish version of The Little Book of Art History was first published in 2014 and has been acclaimed by readers and critics alike. In March 2023 the book was published in its fourth edition, which had been extended with 90 extra pages. The additions were made with focus on broadening the selection of represented artists - in terms of geography, culture and gender - and genres, including performance, street art and video art.

The book is richly illustrated with original drawings by the author himself and also contains a time line of art history from 30,000 BC up until today and a glossary, which are both illustrated.

Frances Borzello takes readers deep into the restricted world of women artists of the past, showing how diligently they trained themselves, set up studios, and pursued sympathetic patrons. Starting with Renaissance painters Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana, the book reconstructs the changing world of women artists as social attitudes evolved. Seventeenth-century painters Artemisia Gentileschi and Judith Leyster enjoyed success by depicting subjects relevant to women, as did eighteenth-century greats Angelica Kauffmann and Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun with their themes of motherhood. Further breakthroughs came in the nineteenth century as young hopefuls Mary Cassatt and Marie Bashkirtseff strove to be admitted to exhibiting societies and opened art schools. Finally, as equality for women advanced through the twentieth century, Augusta Savage, Georgia O-Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Cindy Sherman, Mona Hatoum and others led the way for today-s talented women to secure their rightful place in the annals of art. Now fully revised and updated, Frances Borzello-s engaging narrative continues to inspire.