Great Paintings

A sumptuous, visual guided tour of 66 of the world's greatest paintings, each examined in unrivaled depth.

Ranging from works by Zhang Zeduan, a 12th-century Chinese master, to modern masterpieces by Rothko and Anselm Kiefer, this book provides an excellent visual introduction to the history of art in chronological order. Alongside a magnificent gallery of iconic paintings with more than 700 full-color photographs, the story behind each painting is fully explained, unlocking the meanings of symbols and historical details. Artists' biographies and features on historical and social context explore how landmark paintings were influenced by what went before them, and how they went on to inspire future artists. Paintings are analyzed visually through close-up details to help the reader understand the key features, composition, and techniques. Reading Great Paintings is like being taken around a gallery by a personal guide who helps you look at paintings--both familiar and new--in fresh and fascinating ways.

DK was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world's leading illustrated reference publisher and part of Penguin Random House, formed on July 1, 2013. DK publishes highly visual, photographic nonfiction for adults and children. DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and in 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto. DK's aim is to inform, enrich, and entertain readers of all ages, and everything DK publishes, whether print or digital, embodies the unique DK design approach. DK brings unrivalled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect. We have a reputation for innovation in design for both print and digital products. ? Our adult range spans travel, including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, history, science, nature, sport, gardening, cookery, and parenting. DK’s extensive children’s list showcases a fantastic store of information for children, toddlers, and babies. DK covers everything from animals and the human body, to homework help and craft activities, together with an impressive list of licensing titles, including the bestselling LEGOR books. DK acts as the parent company for Alpha Books, publisher of the Idiot's Guides series and Prima Games, video gaming publishers.