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Calculated Shard: 26 (from laksa146)

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curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa026.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/book-review-art-explained/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/book-review-art-explained/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

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{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/book-review-art-explained\/","crawl_time":1775113955,"first_indexed_time":1659331394,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,dailyartmagazine!www,\/book-review-art-explained\/ s443","src_root_hash":"12277047340755816026","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Art: Explained by Susie Hodge, Book Review | DailyArt Magazine","meta_descriptions":["If you have ever stood, puzzled, in front of a work of art everybody else loves, then this book review is for you!"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Depending on where you stand in the “what makes art” debate, you may think that art just is—it doesn’t need to be explained. But, if you have ever stood in front of a work of art puzzled (or know someone who has), wondering exactly what makes it so amazing, then this book review is for you.\nIntroduction\nBook cover of\nArt: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean\nby Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022.\nSusie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her offering from 2022,\nArt: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mea\nn, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience.\nIn the introduction to this new art book, she writes:\nArt has become an essential part of human existence, and creativity is one of the traits that define us as human… The first art we know of was produced more than 30,000 years ago, and over the thousands of years since, countless artworks have been produced… Yet, despite this incalculable amount of creativity, every single work of art is different from all others; no two are the same.\nSusie Hodge\nArt: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean,\nLaurence King, 2022.\nVenus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by\nBjørn Christian Tørrissen\nvia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).\nStructure\nThe interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader.\nWith this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent, and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history.\nNebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality\nin\nArt: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean\nby Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author.\nOrganization\nTable of Contents of\nArt: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean\n by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022.\nThe choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it.\nThe primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure of this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art.\nAfterwards\nCaspar David Friedrich,\nWanderer Above the Sea of Fog\n, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany.\nSusie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed.\nIn the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from\nVincent Van Gogh,\nwho said,\n“\nI want to touch people with my art.\n”\n \nRodin\nsaid, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.”\nGeorgia O’Keeffe\nput the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked—what is next?\nWell…\nAfter we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going.","attrs_markdown":"- [Stories](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/latest\/)\n- [Shop](http:\/\/shop.dailyartmagazine.com\/)\n- [Courses](http:\/\/courses.dailyartmagazine.com\/)\n\n- [Art Movements](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/)\n  - [Prehistoric Art](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/prehistoric-art\/)\n  - [Ancient Art](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/ancient\/)\n  - [Medieval Art](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/middle-ages\/)\n  - [Renaissance](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/renaissance\/)\n  - [Mannerism](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/mannerism\/)\n  - [Baroque](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/baroque\/)\n  - [Rococo](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/rococo\/)\n  - [Neoclassicism](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/art-movements\/neoclassicism\/)\n  - 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Detail. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Michelangelo_-_Creation_of_Adam_cropped-scaled-e1658924281374-768x391.jpeg)\n\nMichelangelo, *The Creation of Adam*, c. 1515, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Vatican. Detail.\n\n### Recommended\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GettyImages-944564060-e1642757067984-264x177.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/what-makes-an-artwork-famous\/)\n\n[Art History 101](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/special\/art-history-101\/)\n\n### [What Makes an Artwork Famous?](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/what-makes-an-artwork-famous\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1975_1.186-e1674981350745-264x177.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/portraits-to-know\/)\n\n[Art History 101](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/special\/art-history-101\/)\n\n### [12 Important Portraits to Know](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/portraits-to-know\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2512-LL-e1678191509305-768x805-1-e1678269603645-264x177.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/10-female-artist-forgotten-art-history\/)\n\n[Women Artists](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/special\/women-artists\/)\n\n### [10 Female Artists Forgotten By Art History](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/10-female-artist-forgotten-art-history\/)\n\nDepending on where you stand in the “what makes art” debate, you may think that art just is—it doesn’t need to be explained. But, if you have ever stood in front of a work of art puzzled (or know someone who has), wondering exactly what makes it so amazing, then this book review is for you.\n\n## Introduction\n![art explained: Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/2C6ABA16-72EE-47F9-A9C4-29B1645EAD8C-726x1024.jpeg)\n\nBook cover of *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean* by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022.\n\nSusie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her offering from 2022, *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mea*n, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience.\n\nIn the introduction to this new art book, she writes:\n\n> Art has become an essential part of human existence, and creativity is one of the traits that define us as human… The first art we know of was produced more than 30,000 years ago, and over the thousands of years since, countless artworks have been produced… Yet, despite this incalculable amount of creativity, every single work of art is different from all others; no two are the same.\n> \n> Susie Hodge\n> \n> *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean,* Laurence King, 2022.\n\n![art explained: Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/28500D59-1F9B-45F6-8B48-0AFB1076BEAF-1024x483.jpeg)\n\nVenus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by [Bjørn Christian Tørrissen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Venus_of_Willendorf#\/media\/File:Venus_of_Willendorf_-_All_sides.jpg) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).\n\n## Structure\nThe interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader.\n\nWith this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent, and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history.\n\n![art explained: Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/52C515AE-8E2D-4388-B2ED-5B8EB22418D7-1024x889.jpeg)\n\n*Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality* in *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean* by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author.\n## Organization\n![art explained: Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/69D6FAF7-9CCD-49DD-A39D-065D00505AC1-1024x692.jpeg)\n\nTable of Contents of *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean* by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022.\n\nThe choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it.\n\nThe primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure of this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art.\n\n## Afterwards\n\n![art explained: Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/FE5ECBD2-023D-40C7-B14E-565F60C50BE4-800x1024.jpeg)\n\nCaspar David Friedrich, *Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog*, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany.\n\nSusie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed.\n\nIn the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from [Vincent Van Gogh,](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/quiz\/quiz-van-goghs-life\/) who said, *“*I want to touch people with my art.*”* [Rodin](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/happy-177th-birthday-rodin\/) said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” [Georgia O’Keeffe](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/art-and-life-of-georgia-okeeffe\/) put the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked—what is next?\n\nWell…\n\nAfter we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going.\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4.webp)](https:\/\/utm.guru\/ulV29)\n\n- [Book Review](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/tag\/book-review\/)\n\n**Get your daily dose of art**\n\nClick and follow us on Google News to stay updated all the time\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idvetmp-child\/images\/google-news-icon.png)](https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMKmorAswprPEAw)\n\n## We love art history and writing about it.  Your support helps us to sustain DailyArt Magazine and keep it running.\nDailyArt Magazine needs your support. Every contribution, however big or small, is very valuable for our future. Thanks to it, we will be able to sustain and grow the Magazine. Thank you for your help\\!\n\n- [\\$5](https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=zstanska@moiseum.com&item_name=Zuzanna+Stanska+Moiseum&item_number=SUPPORT+DailyArt+Magazine&amount=5.00&currency_code=USD)\n- [\\$10](https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=zstanska@moiseum.com&item_name=Zuzanna+Stanska+Moiseum&item_number=SUPPORT+DailyArt+Magazine&amount=10.00&currency_code=USD)\n- [\\$25](https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=zstanska@moiseum.com&item_name=Zuzanna+Stanska+Moiseum&item_number=SUPPORT+DailyArt+Magazine&amount=25.00&currency_code=USD)\n- [\\$50](https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=zstanska@moiseum.com&item_name=Zuzanna+Stanska+Moiseum&item_number=SUPPORT+DailyArt+Magazine&amount=50.00&currency_code=USD)\n- [Monthly](https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?business=zstanska@moiseum.com&no_recurring=0&currency_code=USD&item_name=Zuzanna+Stanska+Moiseum)\n\n![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2dd91099b37ddacd517427250b30085ef0f850ed3ddf87e6838477b3bde418fd?s=96&d=mm&r=g)\n\n### [Ledys Chemin](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/author\/ledys-chemin\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/32abb82ba469642e13669960c0e3740fbfd9f8c28c1cb8ac5d9f82c481299ca2?s=96&d=mm&r=g)\n\n### ProofreaderMelanie Demmer\nMelanie is a freelance editor, proofreader, and writer within humanities fields. Follow her on Twitter @melaniesdemmer.\n\n### Recommended\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/default-1-e1773657741911-264x177.jpg)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/5-works-by-matisse-to-see-in-chicago\/)  [Review](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/article\/review\/)\n\n#### [5 Works by Matisse to See in Chicago This Spring](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/5-works-by-matisse-to-see-in-chicago\/)\nAre you a lover of Matisse’s work? You cannot miss the new exhibition Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color at the Art Institute of Chicago! The show...\n\n[Aniela Rybak-Vaganay](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/author\/aniela-rybak\/) **23 March 2026**\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/9781838669447-4-1773x2048-1-e1772460778701-264x177.jpg)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/felines-in-visual-culture-book-review-of-cat-by-phaidon\/)  [Review](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/article\/review\/)\n\n#### [Felines in Visual Culture: Review of Cat by Phaidon](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/felines-in-visual-culture-book-review-of-cat-by-phaidon\/)\nA sumptuous new book takes us on a fascinating tour of domestic house cats in art. Taking in over 200 paintings, sculptures, and popular culture images, Cat is a must-read for feline fans\\!\n\n[Candy Bedworth](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/author\/candy-bedworth\/) **12 March 2026**\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/View_2-e1771947600835-264x177.jpg)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/gainsborough-fashion-portraiture-frick\/)  [Review](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/article\/review\/)\n\n#### [Not Your Average Portrait Show in New York—Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture at the Frick](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/gainsborough-fashion-portraiture-frick\/)\nThomas Gainsborough assembled a veritable army of portraits of “the great and the good” in Georgian Britain. And the new exhibition at the Frick...\n\n[MJ Rivera](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/author\/mj-rivera\/) **5 March 2026**\n\n[![Gwen John Strange Beauties Exhibition Poster 2026](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Web-tile-image-1020x680-1-264x177.webp)](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/gwen-john-strange-beauties-exhibition-review\/)  [Review](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/category\/article\/review\/)\n\n#### [Gwen John: Strange Beauties—A Female-Led Tribute to the Radical Artist](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/gwen-john-strange-beauties-exhibition-review\/)\nStrange Beauties is a once in a generation retrospective on Gwen John, one of the most significant painters of the twentieth century.\n\n[Candy Bedworth](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/author\/candy-bedworth\/) **9 March 2026**\n\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the [comments powered by Disqus.](https:\/\/disqus.com\/?ref_noscript)\n\nDailyart\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/about-dailyart-magazine\/)\n- [Our Team](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/dailyart-team\/)\n- [Contribute](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/send-an-article\/)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/advertisement\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/contact\/)\n\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/cookie-policy\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Newsletter Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/newsletter-terms-and-conditions\/)\n- [Website Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/terms-of-service\/)\n\n- [Courses](https:\/\/shop.dailyartmagazine.com\/product-category\/digital-courses\/)\n- [Shop](http:\/\/shop.dailyartmagazine.com\/)\n\nNewsletter\n\nNever miss DailyArt Magazine's stories. Sign up and get your dose of art history delivered straight to your inbox\\!\n\nSubscribe to DailyArt Magazine newsletter\n\nNever miss DailyArt Magazine's stories. Sign up and get your dose of art history delivered straight to your inbox\\!\n\nPrivacy Manager","attrs_readable_markdown":"Depending on where you stand in the “what makes art” debate, you may think that art just is—it doesn’t need to be explained. But, if you have ever stood in front of a work of art puzzled (or know someone who has), wondering exactly what makes it so amazing, then this book review is for you.\n\nIntroduction\n\n![art explained: Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/2C6ABA16-72EE-47F9-A9C4-29B1645EAD8C-726x1024.jpeg)\n\nBook cover of *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean* by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022.\n\nSusie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her offering from 2022, *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mea*n, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience.\n\nIn the introduction to this new art book, she writes:\n\n> Art has become an essential part of human existence, and creativity is one of the traits that define us as human… The first art we know of was produced more than 30,000 years ago, and over the thousands of years since, countless artworks have been produced… Yet, despite this incalculable amount of creativity, every single work of art is different from all others; no two are the same.\n> \n> Susie Hodge\n> \n> *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean,* Laurence King, 2022.\n\n![art explained: Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/28500D59-1F9B-45F6-8B48-0AFB1076BEAF-1024x483.jpeg)\n\nVenus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by [Bjørn Christian Tørrissen](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Venus_of_Willendorf#\/media\/File:Venus_of_Willendorf_-_All_sides.jpg) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).\n\n## Structure\nThe interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader.\n\nWith this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent, and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history.\n\n![art explained: Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/52C515AE-8E2D-4388-B2ED-5B8EB22418D7-1024x889.jpeg)\n\n*Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality* in *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean* by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author.\n\nOrganization\n\n![art explained: Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/69D6FAF7-9CCD-49DD-A39D-065D00505AC1-1024x692.jpeg)\n\nTable of Contents of *Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean* by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022.\n\nThe choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it.\n\nThe primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure of this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art.\n\n## Afterwards\n\n![art explained: Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. ](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/FE5ECBD2-023D-40C7-B14E-565F60C50BE4-800x1024.jpeg)\n\nCaspar David Friedrich, *Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog*, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany.\n\nSusie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed.\n\nIn the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from [Vincent Van Gogh,](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/quiz\/quiz-van-goghs-life\/) who said, *“*I want to touch people with my art.*”* [Rodin](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/happy-177th-birthday-rodin\/) said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” [Georgia O’Keeffe](https:\/\/www.dailyartmagazine.com\/art-and-life-of-georgia-okeeffe\/) put the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked—what is next?\n\nWell…\n\nAfter we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Depending on where you stand in the “what makes art” debate, you may think that art just is—it doesn’t need to be explained. But, if you have ever stood in front of a work of art puzzled (or know someone who has), wondering exactly what makes it so amazing, then this book review is for you. Introduction Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Susie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her offering from 2022, Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mea n, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience. In the introduction to this new art book, she writes: Art has become an essential part of human existence, and creativity is one of the traits that define us as human… The first art we know of was produced more than 30,000 years ago, and over the thousands of years since, countless artworks have been produced… Yet, despite this incalculable amount of creativity, every single work of art is different from all others; no two are the same. Susie Hodge Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean, Laurence King, 2022. Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Structure The interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader. With this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent, and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history. Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. Organization Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. The choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it. The primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure of this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art. Afterwards Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog , c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. Susie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed. In the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from Vincent Van Gogh, who said, “ I want to touch people with my art. ” Rodin said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” Georgia O’Keeffe put the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked—what is next? Well… After we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going.
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Detail. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Michelangelo_-_Creation_of_Adam_cropped-scaled-e1658924281374-768x391.jpeg) Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam, c. 1515, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Vatican. Detail. ### Recommended [![](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GettyImages-944564060-e1642757067984-264x177.jpeg)](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/what-makes-an-artwork-famous/) [Art History 101](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/category/special/art-history-101/) ### [What Makes an Artwork Famous?](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/what-makes-an-artwork-famous/) [![](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1975_1.186-e1674981350745-264x177.jpeg)](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/portraits-to-know/) [Art History 101](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/category/special/art-history-101/) ### [12 Important Portraits to Know](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/portraits-to-know/) [![](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2512-LL-e1678191509305-768x805-1-e1678269603645-264x177.jpeg)](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/10-female-artist-forgotten-art-history/) [Women Artists](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/category/special/women-artists/) ### [10 Female Artists Forgotten By Art History](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/10-female-artist-forgotten-art-history/) Depending on where you stand in the “what makes art” debate, you may think that art just is—it doesn’t need to be explained. But, if you have ever stood in front of a work of art puzzled (or know someone who has), wondering exactly what makes it so amazing, then this book review is for you. ## Introduction ![art explained: Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2C6ABA16-72EE-47F9-A9C4-29B1645EAD8C-726x1024.jpeg) Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Susie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her offering from 2022, Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience. In the introduction to this new art book, she writes: > Art has become an essential part of human existence, and creativity is one of the traits that define us as human… The first art we know of was produced more than 30,000 years ago, and over the thousands of years since, countless artworks have been produced… Yet, despite this incalculable amount of creativity, every single work of art is different from all others; no two are the same. > > Susie Hodge > > Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean, Laurence King, 2022. ![art explained: Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/28500D59-1F9B-45F6-8B48-0AFB1076BEAF-1024x483.jpeg) Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by [Bjørn Christian Tørrissen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Willendorf#/media/File:Venus_of_Willendorf_-_All_sides.jpg) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). ## Structure The interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader. With this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent, and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history. ![art explained: Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/52C515AE-8E2D-4388-B2ED-5B8EB22418D7-1024x889.jpeg) Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. ## Organization ![art explained: Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/69D6FAF7-9CCD-49DD-A39D-065D00505AC1-1024x692.jpeg) Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. The choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it. The primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure of this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art. ## Afterwards ![art explained: Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FE5ECBD2-023D-40C7-B14E-565F60C50BE4-800x1024.jpeg) Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. Susie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed. In the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from [Vincent Van Gogh,](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/quiz/quiz-van-goghs-life/) who said, “I want to touch people with my art.” [Rodin](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/happy-177th-birthday-rodin/) said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” [Georgia O’Keeffe](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/art-and-life-of-georgia-okeeffe/) put the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked—what is next? Well… After we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going. 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Readable Markdown	Depending on where you stand in the “what makes art” debate, you may think that art just is—it doesn’t need to be explained. But, if you have ever stood in front of a work of art puzzled (or know someone who has), wondering exactly what makes it so amazing, then this book review is for you. Introduction ![art explained: Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2C6ABA16-72EE-47F9-A9C4-29B1645EAD8C-726x1024.jpeg) Book cover of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Susie Hodge is an art historian from England. She is the author of over 100 books that seek to make art more accessible to viewers. Her approach encompasses understanding art through history, exploration, and even participation (as in her books about learning to draw). In her offering from 2022, Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean, she takes readers on a journey through time and space as she examines art and its intrinsic link to the human experience. In the introduction to this new art book, she writes: > Art has become an essential part of human existence, and creativity is one of the traits that define us as human… The first art we know of was produced more than 30,000 years ago, and over the thousands of years since, countless artworks have been produced… Yet, despite this incalculable amount of creativity, every single work of art is different from all others; no two are the same. > > Susie Hodge > > Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean, Laurence King, 2022. ![art explained: Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/28500D59-1F9B-45F6-8B48-0AFB1076BEAF-1024x483.jpeg) Venus of Willendorf, 30,000-25,000 BCE, Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo by [Bjørn Christian Tørrissen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_of_Willendorf#/media/File:Venus_of_Willendorf_-_All_sides.jpg) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). ## Structure The interaction between creator, work of art, and viewer enables the artist to send a direct message to everyone viewing his or her work. These messages come to us through space and time, straight from the source! The connection is a unique and deeply personal one, almost magical. Artists are always saying something through their work, even in cases where the art was commissioned. This book aims to demystify and illuminate these messages and bring them to every reader. With this focus in mind, the author selected 100 works of art, arranged them in chronological order, and devoted a spread to each. The individual spreads showcase a full picture of the work with its corresponding caption, a subtitle highlighting the work’s purpose or message, and a brief essay. These essays explore the context behind the creation of each work, provide interesting facts to better appreciate the artist’s intent, and put the work in context through the long tapestry of human history. ![art explained: Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/52C515AE-8E2D-4388-B2ED-5B8EB22418D7-1024x889.jpeg) Nebamun Hunting in the Marshes secures immortality in Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. Photo by the author. Organization ![art explained: Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/69D6FAF7-9CCD-49DD-A39D-065D00505AC1-1024x692.jpeg) Table of Contents of Art: Explained—100 Masterpieces and What They Mean by Susie Hodge, Laurence King, 2022. The choice to not separate the artworks by historical period is an interesting—but effective—one. Because of it, rather than giving the impression of a scholarly work, the book seems to be reaching people from all walks of life. The message is clear: art is for everyone because art is life. The story of art is the story of people. So, if you are interested in people, then art is for you! The succession of artwork after artwork, without a break, emphasizes this continuity within history and the people living it. The primary audience for the book are readers who are interested in art, but may not know where to begin. However, more experienced learners may also find things to enjoy in the gems of knowledge sprinkled throughout the essays. But, beyond that, it is the “dialogue” between artists, the author, and thoughtful readers that forms the main treasure of this book. As readers reflect on the selections and commentary, they participate fully in the creative process. It is this communication that, ultimately, is the aim of all art. ## Afterwards ![art explained: Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. ](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FE5ECBD2-023D-40C7-B14E-565F60C50BE4-800x1024.jpeg) Caspar David Friedrich, Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, c. 1817, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany. Susie Hodge invites the reader on a journey. And, any good journey makes us step outside ourselves, examine ourselves, and come back different. Changed. In the introduction, Susie Hodge shared a few quotes about what artists’ believed their purpose was for creating. Among the quotes she shared was one from [Vincent Van Gogh,](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/quiz/quiz-van-goghs-life/) who said, “I want to touch people with my art.” [Rodin](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/happy-177th-birthday-rodin/) said, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” [Georgia O’Keeffe](https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/art-and-life-of-georgia-okeeffe/) put the creative impulse like this: “I made you take time to look at what I saw.” And, after we looked—what is next? Well… After we looked, we are fully in on the conversation. And, as good conversationalists, the next step is to keep the talk going.
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