Art For Dummies

Front Cover
John Wiley & Sons, May 4, 2011 - Art - 408 pages
If you've always wanted to find out more about art but felt intimidated by the overeducated art world, then you've found the answer. Art For Dummies is the book that will have you and everyone you know clamoring outside the doors of your local museum. Thomas Hoving, former director of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, is credited with revolutionizing the Met, doubling its size during his tenure, and bringing art to the masses. Let him bring art to you as well.

In Art For Dummies, Thomas Hoving provides a how-to guide to the art world. First, he guides you through an introduction to art appreciation, pointing out the details that you've always noticed but have never been able to explain. Next, Hoving takes you on a ride through art history. (Have you ever regretted not taking those art history classes in school With Art For Dummies, you'll feel all caught up and ready to spar with the local intellectuals.) Hoving even includes a guide to the world?s top art cities and centers, a listing that can help you prepare for your next artistic voyage. With this guide, you can discover where to go in order to see the greatest works of art, and you can also find out about hidden treasures in nearby art museums.

You also get a great start for seeking out art with Hoving's lists of the greatest works of Western civilization, the most interesting artists, and the contemporary artists to watch. Don't wait another day to introduce yourself to the art world!

From inside the book

Contents

Sure the world of the fine arts has its share of snobs Yes museums can be confusing
Medieval Art Definitely Not the Dark Ages
Even critics are trying hard to write plain English these days They tell us a painter
The Renaissance and Revivals
The Northern European Renaissance
Mannerism Sensuality and the Bizarre
The Baroque The True Golden
The Sparkling 18th Century
Modern Art The Bold the Beautiful and the NotSoBeautiful
Contemporary Art and Its ISMs Not Always So Nice but Ever
A Look at Art Beyond the Western World
Beginning Your Own Collection
How to Play the Buying Game
The Part of Tens
The Ten Most Interesting Artists And Why
Gary Simmons b 1964

Neoclassicism and the Romantic Twinge
Impressionism The Poetry of the Land and Mankind
PostImpressionism Or Better PreModern
The Essential Guide to the Worlds Top Art Cities and Centers
Bibliography
Copyright

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About the author (2011)

Thomas Hoving is the former director of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the former editor of Connoisseur magazine, and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Making the Mummies Dance.

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