Research Guides: History of Art & Design: Examples of Analysis

General & Design

The books listed on this page offer examples of analysis of various works of art and design. For more titles search online catalog using keyword phrases "Visual perception" and "Art appreciation".

Learning to Look by Taylor,J.
Short Guide to Writing About Art by Barnet,S.
How to Write Art History by D'Alleva,A.
Writing About Visual Art by Carrier,D.
Contemporary World Interiors by Yelavich,S
Phaidon Design Classics
How to Look at Japanese Art by Addiss,S. & Seo,A.

Painting

How to Read a Modern Painting : Understanding and Enjoying the Modern Masters by Thompson, J.
How to Read Chinese Paintings by Hearn,M.
Looking at Pictures by Woodford,S.
The Impressionists: Art in Detail by Newall,D.
Understanding Italian Renaissance Painting by Zuffi,S.
What Great Paintings Say (3volumes.) by Rose-Marie & Rainer Hagen
Why a Painting is Like a Pizza: a Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Modern Art by Heller, N.
What makes a masterpiece: artists, writers and curators on the world's greatest works of art

Subject Guide

Maya Gervits

Podcasts and Videos on Art & Design

Do not forget to check our collection of video recordings that includes DVDs featuring analysis of works of art and design.

Art21(PBS)
Design Museum Podcasts
Ovation
Frick Collection videos
MOMA video
National Gallery of Art Audio & Video
Podcasts from Oxford University
TED Design
V&A channel