There are many classic works of Art History and criticism and this list of the best art history books aims to summarize the very best for both beginners and experts. These are the best art history books, from rich textbooks to casual page-turners.
Art History books can help us to understand the tradition and also enhance our appreciation of art. Many works are devoted to specific historical periods and traditions. Below is a list of some of the most important works that should be part of every art lover’s library.
The Best Art History Text Books
The Story of Art by E. H. Gombrich
First published in 1950 by E. H. Gombrich, The Story of Art has been a hugely influential book. It is an overview of the History of Art around the world and from the Stone Age right through to the Twentieth Century. The book focuses on artists in particular and treats art as a skill. The book is a great introduction to art history and uses non-technical terms so is good for beginners also. The Story of Art is very text heavy, so if you want an art history book that also contains a lot of imagery this may not be for you. The book has been criticized for neglecting modern art, however, it can be forgiven as it was published in 1950.
- Pros:
- The book is written in a simple and easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
- It’s a small novel-sized book which makes it easy to read in bed, travel with, and good for busses, trains, etc.
- It covers the history of Western art from the ancient civilizations to the 20th century, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject.
- Gombrich provides historical context for each period of art, making it easier for readers to understand the cultural and social influences that shaped the works of art.
- Considered one of the most influential books in the history of art, and has been widely read and used as a reference for many years.
- Cons:
- Focuses primarily on Western art, neglecting other important art traditions and civilizations.
- Gombrich’s perspective is Eurocentric, and he often portrays European art as superior to other forms of art.
- It provides a limited interpretation of art and does not delve into the deeper meaning and significance of individual works.
- The book was first published in 1950, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated or no longer considered accurate.
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages by Fred Kleiner
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages is a majestic survey of art from the Palaeolithic period to the twentieth century in chronological order. It is a pioneering work that goes into enormous levels of detail, including in the studies of Asia and other non-Western art histories, which many of the best art history books do not, however, the majority of the champers do focus on the Western tradition.
The original version of Gardner’s Art Through the Ages was published in 1926 and has now been updated fifteen times, the most recent being in 2004.
- Pros:
- Huge book covering all areas and subjects, you will be referencing this book for years and covering new topics
- Contains a lot of detailed illustrations
- Covers a good combination of movements, styles, artists, and works
- Provides a comprehensive overview of Western art from ancient civilizations to contemporary art
- Kleiner writes in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Does not just cover paintings, also covers sculpture and architecture
- Cons:
- Is a very heavy textbook, at 9 x 2.5 x 11.5 inches (22 x 6 x 30) and weighing 9.6 pounds (4.4kg)
- Its size means that it can’t really be taken on a holiday, read comfortably in bed, read during a commute, etc
- As it is a textbook, is quite formal in tone, so if you aren’t used to this it can be more difficult to read
- Primarily focused on Western art and may neglect important art traditions and civilizations from other parts of the world.
- Provides a limited interpretation of art and may not delve deeply into the meaning and significance of individual works.
Art in Theory 1900 – 2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas by Charles Harrison
This work is an anthology of the most important critical texts on art history and art criticism in the twentieth century. It presents pieces from some of the most important critics, philosophers, and literary figures and their ideas on the nature, purpose, and meaning of art. This work presents an evolution of the theory of art in the twentieth century, one of the most dynamic periods in the history of art. Art in Theory allows readers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of art from all periods.
- Pros:
- Has a comprehensive overview of the major theories and debates in art from 1900 to 2000.
- Includes texts from a diverse range of artists, critics, and theorists, allowing readers to gain a well-rounded understanding of the subject.
- Covers art from a variety of cultural traditions, making it a good choice for readers interested in a diverse range of art.
- It is an essential text for students of art history and is widely used in university courses.
- Cons:
- The texts included in the book can be dense and technical, making it a challenging read for those without a background in art theory.
- Many of the theories and perspectives presented are from Western European and North American art traditions.
- The latest edition of the book was published in 2002, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated.
- While the book provides an overview of art theories, it may lack visual analysis and may not include images of the works of art discussed.
The Best Art History Casual Books
What Great Paintings Say: 100 Masterpieces in Detail by Rainer Hagen and Rose-Marie Hagen
This work focuses on the history of art through 100 paintings rather than chronologically. The authors analyze the masterpieces and their meanings, and this allows them to identify the evolution of art and its development. The analysis of the masterpieces allows insights to emerge into the era in which they were created. This work focuses on how specific time periods influenced the development of art while at the same time does not downplay the contribution of the individual artist.
- Pros:
- Structured in a way that you can easily open the book up, read about a single painting in detail, and then put it down again for later
- Very straight to the point – the painting, and why it is important
- Provides a detailed examination of 100 well-known and highly regarded works of art.
- The authors provide a detailed analysis of each work of art, examining the techniques, materials, and subject matter used by the artists.
- Written in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Has a lot of high-quality images and illustrations, allowing readers to appreciate the details of each work of art.
- Cons:
- Doesn’t have full detail of art history chronology as it focuses on the individual works
- There are a lot of paintings which aren’t included here obviously!
- Focuses on a limited number of works of art, and may neglect important artists and traditions.
- Focused on Western art and may neglect important art traditions and civilizations from other parts of the world.
- The latest edition of the book was published in 2002, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated.
- As with any art history book, the author’s perspective and biases may influence their interpretation of the works of art.
Janson’s History of Art by Penelope J.E. Davies
First published in 1926 this overview of the History of Art focuses on Western art. It focuses on the technical and visual characteristics of artworks and how they have evolved over time, and this allows the reader to follow the development of artistic traditions. Every important era, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and 19th century has its own stand-alone chapter. This work has contributed to the development of the Western Cannon and is an important reference work for art scholars.
- Pros:
- A comprehensive overview of Western art from ancient civilizations to the present day.
- Has numerous high-quality illustrations and images, making it easier for readers to understand and appreciate the art.
- Davies provides cultural and historical context for each period of art, making it easier for readers to understand the influences that shaped the works of art.
- The author writes in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Cons:
- Primarily focused on Western art and may neglect important art traditions and civilizations from other parts of the world.
- The latest edition of the book was published in 2016, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated.
- Provides a limited interpretation of art and may not delve deeply into the meaning and significance of individual works.
- As with any art history book, the author’s perspective and biases may influence their interpretation of the works of art.
50 Artists You Should Know by Thomas Koester and Lars Roeper
This work does not discuss the history of art based on schools or chronologically. It focuses on the lives and art of 50 great artists from the Middle Ages. There are brief biographies and the major works of the artists are discussed and evaluated as to how they contributed to the development of art. The evolution of art is discussed in the lives and works of some of the greatest artists in history. This work is aimed at the non-specialist reader and is a great introduction to the history of art.
- Pros:
- Provides an introduction to 50 important artists, allowing readers to gain a broad understanding of art history.
- Written in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Lots of high-quality images and illustrations, allow readers to appreciate the works of art discussed.
- The book covers artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds, making it a good choice for readers interested in a diverse range of artistic traditions.
- Cons:
- A limited examination of each artist, and may not delve deeply into their individual works or influences.
- The book may have a eurocentric bias, as many of the artists covered are from Western Europe.
- While the book provides information on the artists, it may lack cultural and historical context, making it difficult for readers to fully understand the influences that shaped their works of art.
The Collins Big Book of Art: From Cave Art to Pop Art by David G. Wilkins
This work examines the development of art in a chronological fashion and covers everything from cave paintings to Pop art. In every period there are representative works that are studied, and these are linked to their tradition, themes, and historical period. The work also identifies turning points in the history of art when visual characteristics or techniques changed. Various approaches to different genres and styles are discussed and comparisons are made on how artists treated eternal themes such as love or religion.
- Pros:
- Covers a wide range of art forms, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern-day Pop Art, allowing readers to gain a broad understanding of art history.
- Written in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Includes numerous high-quality images and illustrations, allowing readers to appreciate the works of art discussed.
- Wilkins provides cultural and historical context for each period of art, making it easier for readers to understand the influences that shaped the works of art.
- Cons:
- The latest edition of the book was published in 2005, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated.
- The book provides a general overview of art history, and may not delve deeply into individual works or artists.
- Largely as a eurocentric bias, as many of the artists and traditions covered are from Western Europe.
- As with any art history book, the author’s perspective and biases may influence their interpretation of the works of art.
The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe’s Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War by by Lynn H. Nicholas
World War II was not only a human tragedy but also a tragedy for the arts. This fast-paced book covers the period from the Nazi persecution of degenerate art to the outbreak of war and the widespread looting of many of the greatest masterpieces in Western tradition. This book also relates how the Western Allies recovered many loot items and returned them to their original owners, the book also inspired a major motion picture.
- Pros:
- Provides an in-depth analysis of the theft and confiscation of art and cultural treasures by the Nazis during World War II, including a detailed account of the efforts made to retrieve them.
- Details the shocking and eye-opening look at the extent of the cultural destruction caused by the Nazis and the war.
- Nicholas pays close attention to the details of the events and people involved, making the book a valuable resource for those interested in this period of history along with its contribution to art history.
- Cons:
- Focuses on the history and politics of the period more than the art itself, and may not provide an in-depth analysis of the works of art discussed.
- The latest edition of the book was published in 1997, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated
Techniques of the Great Master of Art by Waldemar Januszczak
The thesis of this work is the best way to understand the history and development of art. Januszczak analyses the technique of 77 masters and 110 works from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century. Details of the works are analyzed and an overview of the careers of the artist’s studies is provided. 400 illustrations are provided to illustrate the artist’s techniques.
- Pros:
- Offers a detailed examination of the techniques used by famous artists, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of how masterpieces were created.
- Januszczak takes a hands-on approach to the subject, examining the materials and methods used by artists and demonstrating how these techniques influenced their work.
- Written in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Includes numerous images and illustrations to help readers understand the techniques being discussed.
- Cons:
- Focuses primarily on the techniques used by Western artists and may neglect important art traditions and civilizations from other parts of the world.
- While the book provides technical information, it may lack cultural and historical context, making it difficult for readers to fully understand the influences that shaped the works of art.
- The latest edition of the book was published in 2000, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated.
Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary by Nigel Ritchie
This work examines the history of art in 1200 paintings and sculptures. Some 700 Western and Non-Western artists are examined, and the work is lavishly illustrated. The context of the works is provided and comparisons are made on how they treat common themes. Art opens with a section that explains the techniques of artists and how they use, color, composition, and perspective to create visual effects.
- Pros:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of art from prehistory to the present day, covering a wide range of styles and techniques.
- Includes high-quality images of over 2,500 works of art, making it an ideal resource for visual analysis and appreciation.
- Written in an accessible and engaging style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- Covers art from a variety of cultural traditions, making it a good choice for readers interested in a diverse range of art.
- Cons:
- While the book provides a comprehensive overview of art, it may not provide an in-depth analysis of the theories and concepts behind the works of art.
- The book may have a eurocentric bias, as many of the works of art discussed are from Western European and North American art traditions.
- The latest edition of the book was published in 2011, and some of the information and perspectives presented may be outdated.
- While the book provides an overview of the works of art, it may not provide enough context and background information for readers to fully understand the works and the cultural traditions they are from.
The Judgment of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade That Gave the World Impressionism by Ross King
The Impressionist school of art is one of the most popular. This work examines the dramatic ten years that saw the emergence of the Impressionists. It focuses on the rivalry between the revolutionary artist Manet and the establishment figure of Meissonier against the backdrop of the turbulent 1860s. The Judgment of Paris shows how the Impressionists emerged and changed art despite the resistance of the artistic establishment.
- Pros:
- Provides an in-depth look at the Impressionist movement, a pivotal period in the history of art.
- Written in an engaging and accessible style, making the book a good choice for both students and general readers.
- The author provides historical context for the period, giving readers a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic factors that shaped the Impressionist movement.
- Focused entirely on the details of the lives and works of the Impressionist artists, making the book a valuable resource for those interested in this period of art.
- Cons:
- Focuses solely on the Impressionist movement, and may not provide a comprehensive overview of the wider art world during this period.
- Only covers the Impressionism movement in France
What do you think the best art history books are? Comment below!