A Chronology of Art A Timeline of Western Culture from Prehistory to the Present

Iain Zaczek

A fresh take on the history of art, using cultural timelines to reveal little-known connections and influences between artworks and artistic movements. 

Most surveys of the history of art come neatly packaged. They are divided up into historic periods, artistic schools and movements, and the careers of individual painters. They may make the subject appear more manageable, but they are oversimplifications. In reality, movements and careers overlapped and intertwined, reacting to events in the world around them.

A Chronology of Art places developments in the art world into sharp focus. By prioritizing a purely chronological approach and side-stepping the clichés of conventional, academic pigeonholes, it presents an entirely fresh perspective on the subject. The book is structured around a central timeline, which features lavish illustrations of artworks, together with commentaries and additional information about the social, political, and cultural events of the period. The text is divided into four historical sections, becoming more detailed as it nears the present. From 1800 onward, each spread covers a five-year span, which is far more comprehensive than other surveys of this kind. The chronological spreads are interwoven with lively “In Focus” features, highlighting social, stylistic, and technical developments.

Reviews

Absorbing.

— Choice

Contributors

Iain Zaczek

Author

Iain Zaczek writes widely on art and design. His many books include: The Impressionists, Essential Art Deco, Celtic Art and Design, and The Art of Illuminated Manuscripts: Illustrated Sacred Writings. He was also a contributing author to Art: The Definitive Visual Guide.