Painting a vivid portrait of art throughout history, showing how it has changed the world, one artistic movement at a time, this book illustrates how artists bring their ideas to life, explores various techniques and shows how art can affect the way we think and feel.

Includes glossary and index.

What's the point of looking at ancient art? -- What's the point of looking at medieval and renaissance art? -- What's the point of looking at 17th and 18th century art? -- What's the point of looking at 19th century art? -- What's the point of looking at modern art? -- What's the point of looking at contemporary art?