Great Art Explained: The Stories Behind the World's Greatest Masterpieces (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780500025956)

Based on the enormously popular YouTube channel of the same name, Great Art Explained unveils the fascinating stories behind some of the world's most iconic paintings and sculptures, proving that there's more to art than what meets the eye. Art can be thrilling, if you give it a chance. It is how you view a piece, place it in context, and understand its history that makes an artwork truly come alive.

A fresh approach to a classic subject, author James Payne's compelling narratives shed new light on thirty different masterpieces from around the globe and reveal what makes them truly timeless works of art. Payne delves not only into the artwork itself but also into the artist's life, the cultural, artistic, and societal influences around them, as well as the artwork's place in their wider oeuvre; in other words, what makes it "great." From Hilma af Klint's occult altarpieces to Claude Monet's Water Lilies, Botticelli's Birth of Venus to Georgia O'Keeffe's Jimson Weed, each artwork is explored with clarity and passion. Opening up the world of art to a wider audience with its masterful storytelling, this book is also illustrated in sumptuous full color throughout, allowing readers to experience the artistry in exquisite detail. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Great Art Explained promises to deepen your appreciation and enrich your understanding of some of the world's greatest works.