Christensen Erwin O. The History of Western Art

The New American Library, 1959. — 388 p.Writing a history of Western art is possible only because the research of many scholars has laid a foundation. The specialized literature, old and new, is considerable, and is being added to constantly. Newly discovered facts correct old errors, expand our horizon and give us new insight. The kind of research that rounds out and fills in the lesser areas has no effect on the total development, which is the topic of this book. But even in this broad account of major periods and leading artists, more recent sources of information have been favored. The names of specialists identified with particular points of view have been indicated in the text; essential publications are listed in the bibliography.
The author has tried to see the art of the past in the light of its own objectives and to present it in an unbiased manner. For the most part, this has not been difficult, as much of what is here said reflects an informed consensus.
Lack of space made it necessary to select a few among many masterpieces and to pass over lesser periods and minor artists. To have emphasized faults within the limitations of a highly condensed text would have indicated a lack of sympathy.