You may wish to learn more about art for various reasons, from purely personal interest to an effort to master an art-related profession. Whatever the case, you should always start with the basics – an understanding of various historical periods and the roots of modern art trends and techniques. Here is a list of good art history books that can give you a sure start in the field of art education.

Top 3 Good Art History Books to Begin Your Self-Education

Which art-related books should you start with? Here is a list of globally known and highly appreciated literary works examining the evolution of art.

#1 E.H. Gombrich’s “The Story of Art”

This book is internationally regarded as the best and most comprehensive coverage of Western art history. The author walks the readers through the evolution of art from prehistoric times to modern trends. Gombrich’s language is reader-friendly and clear, while the abundance of colorful illustrations is sure to turn your exploration of art history into an exciting and rewarding experience.

#2 John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing”

Though this work is rather brief, it contains an insightful account of how various subjective dimensions affect the way people interpret art. Berger examines the influence of context, gender, power, and even traditional and social media on the nuances of image interpretation. By focusing on paintings from past periods, the author explores the intricacies of perspective and meaning. Much of the book’s content is based on the BB documentaries of Berger’s authorship.

#3 Giorgio Vasari’s “The Lives of the Artists”

Another exciting book, Vasari’s “The Lives of the Artists,” is a historical artifact in itself. The work was originally published in 1550, so it contains a large number of unique first-hand accounts of 16th-century artists’ lives. Giorgio Vasari was an artist and historian, so he knew much about Botticelli, Raphael, da Vinci, and Michelangelo, among others. Though these personal opinions, anecdotes, and life stories may not be checked for historical accuracy, they still give a one-of-a-kind feel of the artists’ lives in the Renaissance period.

Learn More about Art on Our Blog

Reading about art news and world-known artworks is one way to educate yourself in the field of art. Besides reading good art history books, you can study various materials on our blog to get a grasp of a broader spectrum of topics related to art of previous historical periods and the contemporary epoch.