Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Selected Readings

These annotated publications have been recommended by the Education staff of The Metropolitan Museum of Art as useful resources for the general public, K–12 teachers, and college students.

    Modern and Contemporary Art

    Modern Art, Americas

  • Arnason, H. H. History of Modern Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Photography. Revised by Peter Kalb. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2003.

    This wide-ranging 832-page survey covers modern art from its origins to the twenty-first century. Includes many illustrations, an extensive bibliography, and an index.

  • Causey, Andrew. Sculpture since 1945. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

    This book is an excellent account of the sculptors of the second half of the twentieth century and the vast array of works created following World War II. Includes many illustrations, bibliographic references, and an index.

  • Chilvers, Ian. A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

    This is an extremely useful guide to the people and subjects in the artistic mainstream of the twentieth century; includes artists, movements, publications, technical developments, and achievements in the world of art.

  • Cohen-Solal, Annie. Painting American: The Rise of American Artists, Paris 1867–New York 1948. Trans. with Laurie Hurwitz-Attias. New York: Knopf, 2001.

    Professor Cohen-Solal's evocative account of the art worlds of Paris at the end of the nineteenth century and New York in the first half of the twentieth is a rich source of information on the artistic scene of both cities at that time and provides a wonderful journey through the lives and times of artists who have become household names. Includes illustrations, bibliographic references, and an index.

  • Colquhoun, Alan. Modern Architecture. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.

    This book's chronologically arranged essays tell the fascinating story of Western architecture from the 1890s to the 1960s. Includes many illustrations, photographs, floor plans, and architectural drawings. Includes a bibliography, timeline, and index.

  • Cotton, Charlotte. The Photograph as Contemporary Art. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2004.

    Charlotte Cotton has done an excellent job of capturing the still unfolding story of art photography of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. The arresting illustrations capture the vast range of styles implemented by contemporary photographers. Includes an index and bibliography.

  • Doss, Erika. Twentieth-Century American Art. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.

    This book provides a solid foundation for exploring the art of the twentieth century. If you can read only one book on the art of the century, this is it. Includes a bibliography, timeline, museums, Web sites, and index.

  • Ehrlich, Doreen. Frank Lloyd Wright: Interior Style & Design. Philadelphia: Running Press, 2003.

    Wright's outstanding achievements in total environment design—that is, furniture, fixtures, textiles, lighting, and windows—are presented here with stunning photographs.

  • Fineberg, Jonathan. On the Way to the Gates: Central Park, New York City: Christo and Jeanne-Claude. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004.

    This exhibition catalogue documents Christo's many preparatory studies for the February 2005 installation of The Gates in New York's Central Park. The catalogue includes many photographs and drawings of this and previous projects, as well as interviews with both artists. Includes a bibliography, and an index.

  • Hopkins, David. After Modern Art: 1945–2000. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

    Situating the art in the political context of its time, Professor Hopkins examines art produced during the tumultuous second half of the twentieth century. Includes many illustrations, bibliographic references, a timeline, Web sites for further information, and an index.

  • Landau, Ellen G., ed. Reading Abstract Expressionism: Context and CritiqueNew Haven: Yale University Press, 2005.

    This collection of interviews and essays from the 1940s to the 1990s provides, in one large volume, a wealth of information about the artists in New York City who revolutionized the post–World War II art world. Includes some illustrations, an index, and extensive bibliographic references.

  • Orvell, Miles. American Photography. Oxford History of Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.

    This book is an excellent and lucid chronicle of the history of photography in the United States. Includes Web sites, museums, a timeline, bibliographical references, and an index.

  • Patton, Sharon F. African-American Art. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

    This excellent and readable wide-ranging discussion of African-American art and artists demonstrates the interconnectivity between these artists, African-American culture in particular, and American culture in general. Includes many illustrations, a bibliography, and an index.

  • Pohl, Frances K. Framing America: A Social History of American Art. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2002.

    This interesting history of American art, from precolonial times to the end of the twentieth century, presents a politicized perspective on the subject, focusing on art influenced by conquest, colonization, and change.

  • Robertson, Jean, and Craig McDaniel.Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.

    Six themes—Time, Place, Identity, the Body, Language, and Spirituality— have received significant attention in the art world over the centuries and continue to do so. In this introductory text, Professors Robertson and McDaniel have written a readable and fascinating book that places the artist and his or her art in the context of the times. Artist profiles, many illustrations, a twenty-five-year timeline of art, pop culture, and world events, an index, and bibliographic references are included, making this book a must-have for those interested in contemporary art.

  • Sparke, Penny. A Century of Design: Design Pioneers of the 20th Century. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron's, 1998.

    This beautifully illustrated survey of a diverse group of architects and designers who introduced creative innovations throughout the world is also a chronological history of design in the twentieth century. Includes a glossary, bibliography, information about manufacturers, museums with design collections, and an index.

  • Toker, Franklin. Fallingwater Rising: Frank Lloyd Wright, E. J. Kaufmann, and America's Most Extraordinary House. New York: Knopf, 2003.

    This spellbinding saga of the planning and building of the icon of twentieth-century American architecture also tells the life stories of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Kaufmanns, who commissioned Fallingwater. Because of Fallingwater's proximity to Pittsburgh, Professor Toker has given that city and its cultural life a prominent place in the narrative. Includes photographs, a bibliography, and an index.

  • Turner, Jane, ed. The Grove Dictionary of Art: From Expressionism to Post Modernism: Styles and Movements in 20th-Century Western Art. The Grove Art Series. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000.

    Students and scholars alike will find this comprehensive and well-written reference guide invaluable. Signed entries include bibliographies.

  • Varnedoe, Kirk. A Fine Disregard: What Makes Modern Art Modern. New York: Abrams, 1990.

    Varnedoe's excellent, groundbreaking book introduces the pioneers of modern art and explains in a clear way the artistic innovations that revolutionized the art world. The illustrations were chosen with care and enhance the text. A must-read for anyone interested in the topic.

    • Modern and Contemporary Art, Asia

  • Kerlogue, Fiona. Arts of Southeast Asia. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2004.

    This guide to the arts of Southeast Asia, of both the islands and the mainland, from prehistoric times to the twentieth century, is a fine introduction to the subject. The development of the arts of the region is examined, with attention paid to a number of the great monuments, such as Angkor and Borobudur. Includes many wonderful illustrations, a glossary, index, and bibliography.

  • Mason, Penelope. History of Japanese Art. 2d ed. Revised by Donald Dinwiddie. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2004.

    This well-respected and readable survey has been revised and updated to incorporate new discoveries, enhancing the ever interesting story of Japanese art from the Neolithic Jomon period to the modern age. Includes maps, diagrams, drawings, a glossary, bibliography, and numerous illustrations.

  • Portal, Jane. Korea: Art and Archaeology. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2000.

    Jane Portal has written an excellent and readable introduction to Korean art, from prehistory through the twentieth century. Includes a bibliography, index, maps, and many illustrations.

  • Thorpe, Robert L., and Richard E. Vinograd. Chinese Art and Culture. New York: Abrams, 2001.

    The art of China from prehistoric times through the twentieth-century avant-garde is presented in the context of culture and politics. Interesting sidebars clearly elucidate a variety of special topics. Includes a bibliography, glossary, index, and many illustrations.

    Modern and Contemporary Art, Europe

  • Arnason, H. H. History of Modern Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Photography. Revised by Peter Kalb. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2003.

    This wide-ranging 832-page survey covers modern art from its origins to the twenty-first century. Includes many illustrations, an extensive bibliography, and an index.

  • Barral i Altet, Xavier, ed. Art and Architecture of Spain. Boston: Little, Brown, 1998.

    A comprehensive look at Spain from prehistoric times to the present. Well illustrated throughout. Includes maps, a comparative chronology, bibliography, and index.

  • Causey, Andrew. Sculpture since 1945. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

    This book is an excellent account of the sculptors of the second half of the twentieth century and the vast array of works created following World War II. Includes many illustrations, bibliographic references, and an index.

  • Chilvers, Ian. A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

    This is an extremely useful guide to the people and subjects in the artistic mainstream of the twentieth century; includes artists, movements, publications, technical developments, and achievements in the world of art.

  • Cohen-Solal, Annie. Painting American: The Rise of American Artists, Paris 1867–New York 1948. Trans. with Laurie Hurwitz-Attias. New York: Knopf, 2001.

    Professor Cohen-Solal's evocative account of the art worlds of Paris at the end of the nineteenth century and New York in the first half of the twentieth is a rich source of information on the artistic scene of both cities at that time and provides a wonderful journey through the lives and times of artists who have become household names. Includes illustrations, bibliographic references, and an index.

  • Colquhoun, Alan. Modern Architecture. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.

    This book's chronologically arranged essays tell the fascinating story of Western architecture from the 1890s to the 1960s. Includes many illustrations, photographs, floor plans, and architectural drawings. Includes a bibliography, timeline, and index.

  • Cotton, Charlotte. The Photograph as Contemporary Art. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2004.

    Charlotte Cotton has done an excellent job of capturing the still unfolding story of art photography of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century. The arresting illustrations capture the vast range of styles implemented by contemporary photographers. Includes an index and bibliography.

  • Fineberg, Jonathan. On the Way to the Gates: Central Park, New York City: Christo and Jeanne-Claude. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004.

    This exhibition catalogue documents Christo's many preparatory studies for the February 2005 installation of The Gates in New York's Central Park. The catalogue includes many photographs and drawings of this and previous projects, as well as interviews with both artists. Includes a bibliography, and an index.

  • Hopkins, David. After Modern Art: 1945–2000. Oxford History of Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

    Situating the art in the political context of its time, Professor Hopkins examines art produced during the tumultuous second half of the twentieth century. Includes many illustrations, bibliographic references, a timeline, Web sites for further information, and an index.

  • Le Normand-Romain, Antoinette, et al. Sculpture: The Adventure of Modern Sculpture in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. New York: Skira/Rizzoli, 1986.

    This is a noteworthy guide to the many styles and forms of modern Western sculpture. Includes wonderful illustrations and an index of artists.

  • Rosenblum, Naomi. A World History of Photography. 3d ed. New York: Abbeville Press, 1997.

    Rosenblum provides a superbly illustrated panoramic look at photography as a cultural and historic record as well as an artistic medium. Some of the categories examined in depth are photojournalism, portraiture, advertising, and landscape. Includes a timeline, bibliographical references, and an index.

  • Ruhrberg, Karl, et al. Art of the 20th Century: Painting, Sculpture, New Media, Photography. New York: Taschen, 2000.

    Copiously illustrated and succinctly written, this is a superb and comprehensive history of modern artists and their art from the Impressionists to the present. The 150-page lexicon of artists provides biographical and bibliographical information.

  • Rush, Michael. New Media in Art. 2d ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2005.

    Rush's thematic approach provides an overview of the varied media used in creating art over the course of the twentieth century. The seamless transition of artists from photography, film, and video to computer-generated images and virtual reality becomes obvious in Rush's telling. The many color and black-and-white illustrations enhance the text. A bibliography and index are included.

  • Sparke, Penny. A Century of Design: Design Pioneers of the 20th Century. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron's, 1998.

    This beautifully illustrated survey of a diverse group of architects and designers who introduced creative innovations throughout the world is also a chronological history of design in the twentieth century. Includes a glossary, bibliography, information about manufacturers, museums with design collections, and an index.

  • Turner, Jane, ed. The Grove Dictionary of Art: From Expressionism to Post Modernism: Styles and Movements in 20th-Century Western Art. The Grove Art Series. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000.

    Students and scholars alike will find this comprehensive and well-written reference guide invaluable. Signed entries include bibliographies.

  • Varnedoe, Kirk. A Fine Disregard: What Makes Modern Art Modern. New York: Abrams, 1990.

    Varnedoe's excellent, groundbreaking book introduces the pioneers of modern art and explains in a clear way the artistic innovations that revolutionized the art world. The illustrations were chosen with care and enhance the text. A must-read for anyone interested in the topic.

    Modern and Contemporary Art, Oceania

  • Caruana, Wally. Aboriginal Art. 2d ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2003.

    Aboriginal artists of the twentieth century linked current sensibilities with the ancient traditions of their ancestors to create a vital and unique presence in the art world. Wally Caruana's lively account of this art and its history surveys the variety of aboriginal art in all media across the vast Australian continent. Many illustrations, an index, a bibliography, and a good map enhance the text.

  • D'Alleva, Anne. Arts of the Pacific Islands. New York: Abrams, 1998.

    This introduction to the variety and beauty of the arts of New Guinea, Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia begins with prehistoric designs and artifacts and continues to the end of the twentieth century. Includes bibliographic references, many color illustrations, a timeline, glossary, and index.

  • Kleinert, Sylvia, and Margo Neale, eds. The Oxford Companion to Aboriginal Art and Culture. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

    This all-encompassing 758-page resource provides a broad foundation for learning about Aboriginal art and culture from prehistoric times to the present. Contains essays, many illustrations, maps—including a fascinating mosaic map of Aboriginal Australia. Also includes bibliographic references and a glossary.

  • Sayers, Andrew. Australian Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

    This survey of Australian art weaves the story of the rich and continuing traditions of indigenous art of the Australian continent with the art of the colonizing Europeans. The historiography of the subject, from the time of the British colonization in 1788 to the end of the twentieth century, is woven into the discussion of the art. Includes many illustrations, a timeline, relevant websites, and further readings.

  • Thomas, Nicholas. Oceanic Art. New York: Thames & Hudson, 1995.

    This book seeks to broaden understanding of Oceanic art by reflecting on the customs of the various societies and the contexts within which the art is created. The many illustrations enhance the discussion, which covers art from prehistory to the end of the twentieth century.

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