Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to the second edition ; 1. Art histories and art theories ; 2. Formalism, modernism and modernity ; 3. Marxist and social art histories ; 4. Semiotics and poststructuralism ; 5. Psychoanalysis, art and the fractured self ; 6. Representations of gender, sex and sexualities ; 7. Art and art histories since the 1960s ; 8. Postcolonialism, globalisation and art histories

"Art History: The Basics is a concise and accessible critical introduction for the general reader and the undergraduate approaching the history of art for the first time. Fully illustrated with an international range of artistic examples, it introduces key ideas, issues and debates. Questions explored include: What is art and what is meant by art history? What approaches and methodologies are used to interpret and evaluate art? How have ideas regarding medium, gender, identity and difference informed representation? What perspectives can psychoanalysis, semiotics and social art histories bring to the study of the discipline? How are the processes of postcolonialism, decolonisation and globalisation changing approaches to art history? This critical introduction offers information on relevant websites and image archives, helpful subject summaries, suggestions for further reading and a useful glossary for easy reference"-- Provided by publisher.