Greatest Works of Art of Western Civilization

Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, has selected the 111 greatest works of Western art. These are the pieces he deems "the pinnacles of quality, elegance, and artistic strength, the best mankind has created, the hallmarks of unalloyed genius," and it's really a terrific selection. Spanning the globe and the centuries, Hoving playfully mixes old standbys such as the Venus of Willendorf and Picasso's Les Desmoiselles d'Avignon with lesser-known works--The Street by Balthus and Leonardo's Lady with an Ermine, for example. Accompanying each of the illustrations is a friendly, informative essay describing both the work and the artist, placing both in historical context. The works are presented in no particular order, but this randomness allows readers to view each piece on its own--out of context, with a kind of freshness. While some may be turned off by the book's occasionally self-absorbed tone, Hoving offers a highly educational, thoughtful survey, and his knowledge and discernment are undeniable.