100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Fast Overnight NZ-wide Delivery 🚀

Key Moments in Art

Series: Art Essentials
4.11 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 403 ratings, 49 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Key Moments in Art explores fifty pivotal events in the history of art, from the Renaissance to the modern era. Lee Cheshire brings to life iconic unveilings like Michelangelo's David and Duchamp's Fountain, as well as lesser-known but equally significant developments. The book highlights how chance meetings, innovative styles such as Impressionism and Pop Art, and sensational exhibitions have shaped the art world. Cheshire's engaging storytelling captures the excitement, controversies, and collaborations behind these defining moments.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in art history, students, and anyone keen to understand the stories behind key artistic breakthroughs and cultural shifts.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Small, smart, essential – an easy-to-read, straightforward and entertaining introduction to art history via fifty pivotal moments from antiquity to the 21st century.

'Lets the reader into the art world in a disarmingly simple way ... you don't have to be armed with anything more than curiosity' Matthew Collings

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Key Moments in Art describes fifty pivotal moments—some famous, others unfamiliar—from the Renaissance to the present day. Vivid, colourful vignettes capture the excitement of their times: when Michelangelo's David or Marcel Duchamp's Fountain were unveiled for the first time; when chance meetings have spurred artists to create compelling new styles, such as Impressionism or Pop Art; or when exhibitions have caused a public sensation.

Lee Cheshire's storytelling approach is both entertaining and easy to remember. He celebrates artistic ingenuity and collaboration, but does not shy away from the arguments, fights, and lawsuits that have dogged art's often tumultuous path.

Series: Art Essentials

View all
  • Protest Art
    An essential guide to how the power of art has been harnessed to effect political change across the modern world, from the struggle for universal suffrage to Black Lives Matter. Here is a well-researched, concise guide to protest art, exploring what happens when artists join forces with radical political movements to foster change. The works and movements discussed emerged at...
    Paperback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Looking at Photographs
    New in the Art Essentials series, an introductory guide to the art of looking at and engaging with photography. Everything counts in a good photograph, even down to the smallest details. This introductory guide is structured to help you develop new and more in-depth ways of looking at images, whether as a viewer or practitioner - or just out snapping...
    Paperback
    $3499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Pop Art
    With its bold colours, flashy imagery, and ironic spirit, Pop Art trespasses the traditional boundaries separating high from low culture. Pop Art by Flavia Frigeri introduces us to a movement that focuses on everyday objects, from its beginnings in the post-war consumerism of America and Britain to its fascinating rise on a global scale in the 1960s. The work of...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Surrealism
    Surrealism was launched as a literary and artistic movement by French poet André Breton in 1924, and by the time of his death in 1966, it had become one of the most popular art movements of the 20th century. Its very name has entered everyday usage as a synonym for the bizarre. Taking the reader on a narrative journey through...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Symbols in Art
    Iconography, the study of symbols—be they animals, artefacts, plants, shapes or gestures—is an essential element of art history. This guide unravels over fifty of the most common and intriguing visual symbols from across the globe from 2300 BCE to the present day. While symbols cross dialects and national boundaries, their meanings can vary and are often culturally specific. The snake,...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Contemporary Art
    A plain speaking, jargon-free account of contemporary art that identifies key themes and approaches, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the contexts in which art is being made today. Since the 1960s, contemporary art has overturned the accepted historical categorizations of what constitutes art, who creates it, and how it is represented and validated. This guide brings the...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Photography
    In a brand-new approach, this book presents photography in all its principal forms of experience, to portray the unique characteristics of this accessible and universally appealing medium. Arranged chronologically, legendary photographs are discussed alongside photobooks that represent a significant contribution towards photography, as well as important exhibitions that marked a shift in outlook, values, and approach. In art history, particular...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Abstract Art
    This lively introduction tells the ever-evolving story of abstract art, tracing its history from the early 1900s right up to the present day. Emerging out of western movements such as Cubism and Expressionism, abstract art quickly became a global phenomenon, changing the face of modern and contemporary art. Stephanie Straine weaves accounts of well-known pioneers with fascinating insights into lesser-known...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Global Art
    Jessica Lack introduces fifty pioneering modern and contemporary art movements born out of political engagement, decolonisation, marginalisation, or conflict. These movements have aimed to revitalise society by challenging the status quo. While not as well known as Pop Art, Dada, and Futurism, these associations of artists—such as the Saqqakhaneh artists of Iran, the Stridentists of Mexico, Jikken Kobo of Japan,...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Greek and Roman Art
    For more than 2,000 years, the art of Greece and Rome has lain at the heart of western civilisation. Greek and Roman Art by Susan Woodford recaptures the excitement of the artists who first created it. It traces the daring innovations of those who, defying traditional wisdom, explored new ideas. It describes the valiant struggles of sculptors and painters to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Impressionism
    It is often forgotten just how provocative Impressionist canvases seemed when they were first exhibited in 1874. The advocates of the new style rejected the established principles of art prevalent at that time in France. Impressionism traces Impressionism's origins to its spread to America and Australia. Ralph Skea shows how Impressionist artists transformed everyday subject matter. Daringly using colour and...
    Paperback
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Street Art
    Street Art is a phenomenon and subcultural movement that reaches from the darkest urban backstreets to the most glamorous international art fairs. Simon Armstrong examines how it evolved from its origins in the 1970s New York graffiti scene to embrace many new materials, styles and techniques along the way, tracing how this marginal art form graduated into art galleries and...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Choice praises the book as "a wonderful addition to the excellent Art Essentials series," recognising its quality and appeal to art enthusiasts.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500293621

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 August 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 100 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 410g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Lee Cheshire is Senior Editor and Copywriter at Tate. He also contributes to Tate Etc. magazine, and edited a special magazine marking the opening of the extension to Tate Modern. He is the author of "London in Paint", a survey of painting in London since the 17th century.

Also by Lee Cheshire

View all
  • London in Paint
    London in Paint provides a fresh look at an iconic global city, through the eyes of some of the world's most influential artists: Canaletto, Turner, Constable, Pissarro, Monet, Kossoff, Auerbach, and many others. The hustle and bustle of London, its changing landscape, and infinite sights have provided a rich subject for the many artists who have visited and inhabited the...
    Hardback
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoir Home Again.This is more than a rock story. Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it. From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Buy to Win
    Did I Ever Tell You This?
    In this unexpected memoir, written in a creative burst of just a few months in 2022, Sam Neill tells the story of how he became one of the world’s most celebrated actors, who has worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Isabel Adjani, from Jeff Goldblum to Sean Connery, from Steven Spielberg to Jane Campion. By his own account, his...
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    New Release
    Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • They Bloom Because of You
    Bestselling author and Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs returns with a new collection of beautifully observed poems about the ever-evolving journey of motherhood - the hard, the magic and the fleeting. ‘A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears.’ - Hilary Swank ‘A book to keep close and...
    Paperback
    $3000
    Elsewhere:
    $3600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Devotions
    New York Times Bestseller, chosen as Oprah's 'Books That Help Me Through' for Oprah's Book Club Chosen by Poetry Book Society as their special commendation 'No matter where one starts reading, Devotions offers much to love, from Oliver's exuberant dog poems to selections from the Pulitzer Prize-winning American Primitive, and Dream Work, one of her exceptional collections. Perhaps more important,...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Buy to Win
    The Odyssey
    The The Odyssey by Homer is a timeless epic that chronicles the adventures of the legendary Greek hero, Odysseus, as he endeavours to return home to Ithaca following the conclusion of the Trojan War. This monumental journey spans ten arduous years, during which Odysseus encounters a myriad of natural and supernatural challenges. From shipwrecks and ferocious battles to formidable monsters...
    By Homer
    Hardback
    $3600
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Buy to Win
    On Sale
    14% off
    Leaves of Grass
    A collectible new Penguin Classics series offers beautiful, slim, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets. In 1855, Walt Whitman published his first collection of poetry, Leaves of Grass. The volume received great praise from leading Transcendentalist poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. This encouragement led to what would become a lifelong project, as Whitman expanded and rewrote the volume until his death...
    Hardback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • I Still Believe in Miracles
    I Still Believe in Miracles is a collection of poetry exploring themes of masculinity, love, grief, and connection. This is the trade debut from Instagram phenomenon Lucas Jones, perfect for fans of yung pueblo, Hussain Manawer, and Whitney Hanson. A collection of powerful contemporary poetry, I Still Believe in Miracles delves deeply into themes of masculinity, love, grief, and connection....
    Hardback
    $3500
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Beautiful Chaos
    The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller Selected poems from bestselling author and Instagram poet, Jessica Urlichs. 'These words awaken the magic of life by celebrating the ordinary.' - Giovanna Fletcher Motherhood is messy and beautiful, and hard and humbling. We adore our children and sometimes we miss ourselves. Beautiful Chaos is a collection of raw, honest poems about motherhood, capturing everything...
    Paperback
    $2900
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Roadscapes
    For four decades, photographer Derek Smith has explored the way New Zealanders travel, work, and express themselves through the vehicles they drive. Roadscapes is his compelling photographic journey through the heartland of New Zealand, capturing our unique car cultures and the social landscapes they inhabit across Aotearoa.
    Hardback
    $3699
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.