Apreciar el arte. Entender, interpretar y disfrutar de las obras. (Appreciating Art)

The art world can be intimidating. The visual language is complex, the history is rich, and the attitudes can at times feel exclusionary. Here, Newall helps the neophyte understand the historical context of the art, appreciate its significance, and, most importantly, enjoy its beauty. The book is divided in major genres, such as the nude, the portrait, still life, and landscape. Each chapter addresses the subject matter chronologically, following basic growth and trends. The text is rich with visual examples, and sidebars provide key information on vocabulary and technique. The final chapter touches on contemporary arts, but overall the text sticks to painting in the Western canon from the 14th to 20th centuries.. One of the consequences of art appreciation is a greater understanding of the scope of history, and the strength of this book is that it cross-references movements and time periods, allowing readers to learn quite a bit about the various historical periods and gain a greater grasp of the interconnectedness among art, history, and daily life. Very informative yet accessible; highly recommended for public and school libraries, as well as general bookstores.—Laura Torres, Somerville, MA