Art Collections (National Highlights Inc.)

Even though most artists down through the ages have found painting children a daunting challenge, there are a few more satisfying results than the innocence, the joy and often the mischief of childhood captured for all time.

What is a masterpiece? At the most basic level, a masterpiece is a quintessential work by a great artist. This magnificent volume details the development of art from the beginning of recorded civilization into the twentieth century, presenting essential works of art from across the world, both East and West, in more than 110 full-color reproductions.

Certain artists stand out among their contemporaries; they were prodigies, master artists. Biographical and critical details on sixty master artists, along with over one hundred color reproductions of great works, illuminate the pages of this beautiful, informative volume.

Here is a visual celebration of African American Art from it's beginnings in Colonial America up to the present day. From early folk art to contemporary paintings, prints, and sculpture, a selection of 107 full-color illustrations presents the remarkable history of America's Black artistic heritage.

Art, religion, and function are naturally commingled in the beautiful and useful objects created by the native peoples of North America, and these works reflect a tradition that is still alive -- as evidenced by today's Native American artists -- in not thriving. This volume, illustrated with 119 beautiful full-colour reproductions provides a unique look at the rich variety of Native American art from centuries past to the present day.

Presenting concise overviews of artists and movements that are uniquely American, these volumes distill the essence of their subjects with authoritative texts and lavish illustrations. Since the time of the earliest settlers, Americans have been expressing their individuality through the embellishment of everyday objects. Such classics as whirligigs, ship models, and carousel animals fill these pages.

The artistic masterpieces of Chinese civilizations from the Neolithic period to the twentieth century -- encompassing sculpture, paintings, drawings, and pottery -- are detailed in this illuminating volume, illustrated with 105 magnificent museum-quality reproductions.