Great paintings: The world's masterpieces explored and explained (Dorling Kindersley, £20) (From York Press)

Great paintings: The world's masterpieces explored and explained (Dorling Kindersley, £20)

2:25pm Wednesday 7th December 2011 in Books By Bill Spence

DK has a reputation for producing beautiful books at affordable prices and this wonderful volume is no exception.

Sixty-six paintings from all over the world are examined so that we learn about their history, the artists that produced them and what to look for within the painting itself.

Six sections divide the paintings chronologically, showing works dating from1100 to 2007, so there is a wide range of techniques discussed, together with the historical context in which the work was produced. Each painting is beautifully reproduced with highlighted areas and text explaining what to look for.

We learn about colour, symbols, composition and the contrast of light and shade as well as the subject matter so we are left satisfied we have learnt something new about these great paintings.

I don’t know how the publishers have produced this book at this low price but with Christmas just around the corner this would be a superb gift.