I’m starting a summer internship at a major art museum that has a strong collection of European art, American art, modern/contemporary work. Also a lot of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings with some of the most famous pieces being from Van Gogh and Monet. I’m really excited, but I also feel like there’s a lot I don’t know yet about art history and how to look at art beyond a surface level.
I’m looking for books that are approachable for someone who is interested in art and culture but doesn’t have a super academic background in art history. I’d especially love anything that helps you understand how museums work, how to interpret visual art, how art connects to culture/history/society, or even books that help you learn some interesting stuff about famous artists.
I’m open to nonfiction, essays, memoirs, biographies, theory that isn’t impossible to read, or even fiction novels centered around art and museums. Thank you! 😄
by floptropica2
2 Comments
Sirens & Muses was a fun (fiction) read about the art world!
Art, Annotated by DK
The Short Story of Art by Susie Hodge
How to Read Paintings by Christopher P. Jones
Art Firsts by Nick Trend
All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley
The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel
DK The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia
What Great Paintings Say by Rose-Marie Hagen
1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die by Stephen Farthing
The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St Clair
In Open Contempt by Irvin Weathersby Jr.
The Art of Colour by Kelly Grovier
The Whole Picture by Alice Procter
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
Caveat Emptor by Ken Perenyi