Readers will enjoy exploring art history with the help of these appealing art movement books. Including notable movements such as Surrealism, modern art and Impressionism, these books shed a light on key figures of each movement as well as their influences. Copious reproductions and photographs enable readers to to take a long, close look at individual artworks. Please note that the books are listed by reading age, not in chronological order.
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Meet The Artist: The Pre-Raphalites – An Art Activity Book
by Helena Perez Garcia (Illustrator)
Review: This wonderfully engaging book provides young readers with a super introduction to the Pre-Raphaelites. Bright and colourful, it explains the importance of poems, stories and symbolism, for example, to the artists. Thoughtful pieces of information or prompts guide readers to look carefully at some of the movement’s most significant paintings. A range of activities accompany the text, inviting readers to explore some of the Pre-Raphaelites’ techniques or imagery that they included in their works. Informative and fun, this is a sure-fire winner for budding artists and those keen to learn more about art.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 7 years old. In my opinion, the contents are more suited to readers at the older end of this age bracket and beyond.
Modern Art Explorer: Discover the Stories Behind Famous Artworks
by Alice Harman (Author), Serge Bloch (Illustrator)
Review: A breath of fresh air, Modern Art Explorer: Discover the Stories Behind Famous Artworks introduces readers to thirty highly diverse examples of modern art found at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Covering a range of styles and media, the combination of Alice Harman’s humour and Serge Bloch’s lighthearted illustrations make this a joyful read. Many less familiar artists are featured alongside instantly recognisable names such as Henri Matisse,Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo, thus providing a modern art voyage of discovery. This book would work well in conjunction with some of the videos featured on the Centre Pompidou’s website.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 12 years old. Older readers would enjoy this too, in my opinion.
Impressionism (Inside Art Movements)
by Susie Brooks
Review: This colourful book provides an inviting overview of Impressionism. Bursting with vibrant reproductions, Susie Brooks gives readers a real insight into the movement, its artists and their inspiration. Tracing Impressionism’s beginnings, readers quickly appreciate how groundbreaking the movement was at the time. Each chapter begins with an introductory paragraph outlining the main themes of the text. Numerous quotes from the artists feature throughout the book, helping to bring the individuals to life. Larger reproductions are accompanied by a prompt to “Look Closer”. These feature questions or statements which invite the reader to contemplate different aspects of the picture or the circumstances around its creation. This would make a worthwhile addition to any art library.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 14 years old.
Salvador Dalí and the Surrealists: Their Lives and Ideas
by Michael Elsohn Ross
Review: Incorporating 21 activities for readers to try, Salvador Dali and the Surrealists: Their Lives and Ideas provides a meaty and engaging introduction to Surrealism. An informative read, the accompanying activities enable readers to flex their Surrealist muscles. Drawing inspiration from seminal works or techniques, they are encouraged to put their own take on the project. In addition to the focus on artists such as Dalí and Rene Magritte, Freud and Harpo Marx feature in the mix outlining their influence on the movement. Providing a wide breadth of information and plenty of hands-on experiences, this book sets the scene for further inquiries into surrealism. Olden (it was published in 2003) but golden.
Suggested Reading Age: 10 years and up. In my opinion, this would work best with middle school-aged students and beyond.
The Short Story of Art
by Susie Hodge
Review: The Short Story of Art competently introduces movements, techniques and themes across art history to its readers. Beginning with prehistoric art, Susie Hodge takes readers on a journey up to conceptualist art. Themes such as animals, allegory, love, and consumerism feature. Techniques covered include underpainting, oil on pastel and engraving. In all, Hodge presents fifty key works providing interesting insights into the artist; readers are also directed to other works by the artist in question. Each of these works is printed on a full page with the accompanying background on the opposite page. Easy to navigate, this book is a super introduction to art history. Please note the book is a guide to Western art history.
Suggested Reading Age: Teens and adults.
Happy Reading!
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Fascinating Frida: Frida Kahlo And Her Art
Do YOU know any great art movement books to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .