Isms: Understanding Art

I like this little book! It's a straightforward and succinct guide to visually identifying the various styles of art as divided by art historians into "-isms" from the Renaissance to Postmodernism. I am a professional artist, who had the average amount of art history aside studio classes in college, but I have felt an urgent need for some time to better understand myself via the concreteness that a good grip of art history provides... with this book, a good amount of relevant information is relayed with just a couple pages of text and relevant visual examples of work. I appreciate the disclaimer in the book's introduction that it is not "intended to test your ability to label or identify art at 40 paces!" That doesn't mean, however, that it isn't useful. As I said, a lot of info is conveyed in a relatively short amount of book, and with a chronological layout, the -isms are grouped into five time sections: Renaissance, Baroque & Rococo, The 19th Century, Modernism, and Postmodernism. Each of the five sections has a color to code and helps visually group the isms as they explained, and each ism includes the relevant group of artists (and when they lived) within the genre, as well as major works within a specific gallery. At the end of each ism, is an eye symbol denoting that listed movements appear similar to the aforementioned ism, as well as a closed eye symbol to denote what that ism does NOT appear similar to. This book is highly portable in that it is 1) physically small, and 2) structurally sound and rugged in the Flexibound format. I like the long flap at the beginning and end that can be used as a bookmark to keep your place as you read through it. Overall, a handy guide to those either unaqauinted with, or wanting to refresh their understanding of, art history in a general sense. In the past, I have found a real struggle with books that are sizably large, hefty hardcovers bearing so many hundreds of pages, because it is physically cumbersome to delve into and feel aquainted with. The typical burden of lengthy textbooks, I suppose. This book is the opposite and it's breezy approach of subject matter fits perfectly within its physically light and compact self.

This book gives a brief but informative overview of the major art trends and movements from 1300 to the present, devoting two pages to each with a listing of each trend's principal artists and showing examples (all in color). The artworks in each section are grouped by the museums where they are on display so that visitors to each museum can view the representative paintings shown as well as others mentioned. The book also lists similar trends as well as those that are dissimilar, and gives a graphic timeline at the end of all the "isms" listed. An excellent introduction and a great starting point for further study.

This is a handy dandy little book that serves as a quick reference guide for art movements. It, however, has a few shortcomings. The first is that the author makes up a few of the "isms." The terms he makes up are marked--sort of, but are still hard to keep straight. The book progresses in chronological order, but it is confusing when the author delves into trends within movements. This book would benefit tremendously from a foldout timeline and some sort of chart to indicate how/when the various movement occurred in relation to each other. Overall, it is a good little reference, but be wary of which terms you use when in the company of those educated in art history.

This is a dope ass book. I bought it bc I was flipping through it at someone's house one day as thought it was sweet. Then my dad saw it and was obsessed. I got him one and he showed it to my sister. I went to go visit her and I see she has a copy on her book shelf. Just goes a good job of breaking down art history for the layman in a way thats approachable but enticing

clear, 2 page overviews of the different art movements with images, key artists, and main concepts / themes - great little guide that fits in your bag/purse easily to have on hand; there's also a timeline in the back that helps show the overlaps between the movements

I bought this book for a trip to Paris where I visited many, many art galleries. As one who appreciates art, having this book to help me identify the Ism to which a work of art belonged deepened my understanding of what I was viewing. As a photographer, I used the book to help me identify the Isms that I like and that will help my own art.

Superb intro to art for curious young children. Read to my children along with intro to philosophy. Kids are ready for more than they are taught at most schools.

Bought for our son to have as a home reference for his college-level high school art history class. A book worth keeping in his personal library.

Perfecto para introducirte en el mundo del arte y tener una buena base. Buena calidad de imágenes y de impresión.

A must have to understand different ism in art.

This book is a lovely little gem. It is basically as illustrated book explaining all the isms of art, such as romanticism, classicism, etc. Quality: The cover is lovely and sturdy, the paper quality is great, the art is gorgeous, in fact the entire book exudes class. You can tell alot of care went into creating the book Content: The book starts with a useful guide on how to use the book. Each era (renaissance, baroque & rococo, 19th century, modernism, post-modernism) is color coded which makes it easy to navigate the book. For each era and art style, a short description and given with an explanation of what the particular 'ism' means. There is a wealth of beautiful art used to demonstrate the difference between each style and many other suggestions are given for hours of enjoyment. What I love about this book is that although I'm very ignorant when it comes to art, I never found this book hard to follow. And although the information given in the book are simple and easy to digest, I finished it feeling that I have a pretty good grasp on the different styles and trend. In fact, this book is now my favorite companion when I visit art museums.

The book was almost new. I love it !

This book is the perfect beginners guide to understanding art terminology and the links between artistic movements. It works best as a quick reference for particular movements rather a book to be read cover to cover. The book contains useful background information, accompanied by images of the most iconic and definitive pieces for each movement. This is all backed up by little contextual snip-its, lists of influential artists and links to the related art movements. This book is strictly 'art' movements however the contextual background information and lists of related practitioners does give greater insight in history of creative arts.