Taking a novel approach to the history of art, Art Day by Day aims to change the pace at which the story is told. Presenting snapshots of the most exciting, unusual, and noteworthy art events from around the world and throughout history through direct testimonies, eyewitness accounts, and contemporary chroniclers, this volume is a unique look at the past.

Drawing on articles, diaries, interviews, letters, speeches, transcripts, and more, Art Day by Day offers an important event that happened on that day in the history of art. Here are the stories of famous paintings, ancient sculptures, comic strips, photographs, murals, manifestos, and marriages, from terracotta soldiers to a self-shredding Banksy.

Each day has its own section, starting with an extended quote giving artists, critics, and commentators their voice to speak directly to us, followed by a brief explanatory text, and ending with other important events in art on that day such as births, deaths, and exhibition openings. Not every entry is momentous, but each one is significant. Yes, there are thefts, murders, artistic mishaps, and eureka moments, but there are also episodes such as President Theodore Roosevelt's doodles, Michelangelo writing to his nephew about his kidney stones, and Monet getting the green light for his water garden. Every day has a story to tell.

An informative overview of culture throughout the ages, Art Day by Day is as enlightening as it is entertaining: the perfect armchair companion and reference for art lovers everywhere.

Author: Alex Johnson
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Published: 10/26/2021
Pages: 480
Weight: 1.3lbs
Size: 8.58h x 5.59w x 1.65d
ISBN: 9780500023648


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 01/01/2022 pg. 26

About the Author
Johnson, Alex: - Alex Johnson is a journalist and writer. A regular contributor to The Independent, he also runs the popular design and lifestyle blogs Bookshelf and Shedworking. He has written several books, including Bookshelf and Improbable Libraries.