The History of Art in One Sentence 500 Years of Art (But Funny)

by Babbs, Verity

• ISBN13: 9781454965534
• ISBN10: 1454965533
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2025-10-21
• Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Summary

How did the Northern Renaissance differ from the Italian one? Why were the Pre-Raphaelites so obsessed with redheads? What does “Dada” mean? Verity Babbs has the answers, as she takes you on a whirlwind tour through 50 key Western art movements spanning 500 years—from the Renaissance to the Young British Artists. These fascinating (and often hilarious) nuggets of art wisdom cover everything from who inspired the movement and its impact on history, to key artists and artworks. This whimsically illustrated book is perfect for anyone who wants a fun art history refresher or to learn more about art and have a little laugh along the way.

Author Biography

Verity Babbs is an art critic-comedian and presenter from Northampton, UK. She graduated with a history of art degree from the University of Oxford and has collaborated on projects with Tate, the National Gallery, Soho House, the National Film and Television School, and Royal Museums Greenwich. Her work focuses on making the art world more accessible and bringing laughter into cultural spaces. Verity is the founder of Art Laughs, live art-themed comedy events which made its Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2022.