Reviews for Art in History

The average rating for Art in History based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2011-08-23 00:00:00 J Ignacio Catala This book came with my office when I accepted my current teaching position 6 years ago. The edition I read was published in 1985 and then again in 1990 with, as far as I can tell, few edits. Most of my complaints about the book were probably (hopefully) addressed in later editions. The book does just what the title suggests. It gives a brief introduction to a whole bunch of female artists, both generally and specifically from antiquity to the present. A lack of specific records for women artists from antiquity through the middles ages means that these sections are written generally and give a description of living and working conditions, as well as societal and cultural expectations for women (and, by extension, women artists) at these times and in various locales. Later, as records improve, the book gives short biographical and artistic introductions to specific female artists. As you might guess, if you've read much art history published before about 2000 (or after), this book is very western-centric. The history moves from ancient Egypt to Greece then to Europe from the middle ages through the late 1800s. In the 20th century, apparently most female artists work in the United States. This is basically what I expected, reading an English language book published in the US. That being said, I would love to read a similar book giving an overview of women's roles in ancient and medieval Asia or women's roles in art around the world spanning all of history. This book, however, did a very satisfactory job giving a useful and interesting introduction to women's roles in art and specific women artists. The early history was good, the individual biographies were interesting. I learned things I didn't already know. I got a bit annoyed when we reached the 20th century because of two missing artists. I was surprised the book did not include Frida Kahlo or Yoko Ono. Both of these women artists are well known and contributed to the history and modern understanding of art and women's roles in art. Maybe Wendy Slatkin knows something I don't, maybe I have a skewed view of what was important in 20th century art, but I was surprised nonetheless. Other flaws in the book: Barbara Kruger's name is spelled incorrectly (Krugar) which pains me. And none of the illustrations are in color (which also pains me). I have not looked carefully at later editions of the book to see who has been added or whether later editions are in color. My edition of the book ends with, what feels to me, some abruptness in the early 80s. Maya Ying Lin's brand new Vietnam Memorial is the last mention in the book and Cindy Sherman's biography indicates that the author looks forward to seeing what she will do with her career. It is unreasonable to criticize an old edition for failing to see the future, but it is still strange to read an old book from the vantage point of almost 30 years later. In sum, read this book and recommend this book, but make sure you get a later edition. I am now going to check that we have at least one edition in our school library.

Review # 2 was written on 2013-01-04 00:00:00 Cynthia Morcott So far, while the book is very thorough, I don't find it unbiased. I am reading this book for class and in conjunction with another book that covers nearly the same artists. This book is very pro-fem and sort of "puts down" the males of the time. Don't get me wrong, I love a good gender war, but this is a text book. I just feel it could be less soap-boxy. This is my very humble opinion.