This is a new release of the original 1939 edition.

Bringing the life and work of a truly unique artist to life, Van Gogh is a comprehensive guide to one of the most unconventional and highly original artists of the nineteenth century. Perhaps the most famous artist in the world, Vincent Van Gogh is perceived by many as the ‘mad’ artist, the man who painted in a frenzy or simply the tormented soul who cut off his ear. His artistic genius is often overshadowed by those who see his paintings as mere visual manifestations of his troubled mind. Whilst in part this may be true, in reality his innovative and unique artistic style was of enormous importance to a host of artists who followed in his wake. Even when openly influenced by his predecessors or contemporaries his art remained identifiably his own, developing a distinctive style that failed to be accepted by the art-buying public in his own lifetime. From his earliest watercolours depicting the plight of rural Dutch peasants, through his attempts to be accepted by the Parisian avant-garde, right up to his final paintings of the Auvers countryside, every aspect of his life is celebrated in this beautiful reference book.

From works by Botticelli and Raphael to Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo, discover the paintings that have shaken the art world through the centuries and across continents. Great Paintings presents over 60 amazing paintings - both familiar and new. It not only lists some of the greatest works of art but brings them to life with the help of more than 700 photographs and descriptive text. Understand the key features, composition, and techniques that have made these paintings stand out. The book also includes brief biographies of the artists, which provides the background to each artwork and helps readers paint their own picture of the historical and social context behind each masterpiece. Whether you are young or old, an art student or a fan, simply turn the pages of Great Paintings to go on your personal gallery tour of some of the world's best-loved paintings.

This book introduces children to many of the world's most famous paintings. On the left-hand side of each spread, children will find a cut-out of a famous painting with questions to guide their own investigations and on the right-hand side of the spread is featured the full painting with answers to the questions as well as other facts. An introductory text and an information box about the author set the scene and allow children to recognise other paintings by the same artist or from the same period in time.

GREAT PAINTINGS OF THE WESTERN WORLD features 300 of the most splendid works of Western art of all time. Accompanying this magnificent art is a concise, penetrating text that presents each painting in its historical, social, and artistic perspective. From Giotto to Gauguin, from Whistler to Warhol, here is a private guided tour of some of the most remarkable creations on earth. 300 color plates.

Originally published: London: Usborne, 2009.