What makes the Book of Kells such an extraordinary example of illuminated manusc
ript? Why is Durer's self-portrait so iconic? How did Turner's Rain, Steam, Spee
d turn the art world on its head? What's so great about Jasper John's Flag? And
who was Whistler's mother, anyway? Art history is filled with paintings that sho
cked, intrigued, enraged and mystified their audiences - paintings that exemplif
ied the period in which they were created and forever changed the way we think.
Here, one hundred examples of these icons of art are presented in beautiful, hig
h-quality reproductions. Each double-page spread features lavish illustrations a
nd details as well as engaging texts that explain why the painting belongs in th
e pantheon of world-changing art.
