Leonardo Da Vinci

by Paul Rockett

Published 30 December 2015

Inspiring Artists tells us what it is that makes some famous artists so important and memorable, not only in terms of their artistic legacy, but also as to their impact on the wider world. It explores their life and times through significant pieces of their art, looking at the work in terms of its context, from conflict (Goya), to festivities (Bruegel) to personal struggle (Van Gogh). Each work is also considered in terms of its style, technique and artistic innovation.

Pieter Bruegel is famous for his paintings of sweeping landscapes and peasant life. He created visions of harmony and horror that have dazzled artists and viewers with their detail, ambition, humour and skill, and have inspired artists as wide-ranging as LS Lowry, Gerhard Richter and Grayson Perry.


Inspiring Artists tells us what it is that makes some famous artists so important and memorable, not only in terms of their artistic legacy, but also as to their impact on the wider world. Leonardo da Vinci was a brilliant inventor, engineer, scientist and architect, but he is most famous for being an artist. His fascination and skill in representing the world around him made him a celebrity during his lifetime and an inspiration to many artists both then and now, from Raphael to Andy Warhol.

These lavishly illustrated books are a visual treasure trove, with famous paintings alongside lesser-known works. Aimed at readers aged 9+, the content has been expertly checked by the ex-Head of Education at the National Gallery in London.


Francisco Goya

by Paul Rockett

Published 30 December 2015

Pieter Bruegel the Elder

by Paul Rockett

Published 30 December 2015
Known largely for his sweeping landscapes and depictions of rowdy peasant life, Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel was first recognized for his odd, often comic, allegorical engravings. In fact, his paintings only became known after his death. This biography charts Bruegel's life from his apprenticeship in Brussels and steady work for an Antwerp printer to his renowned landscapes, paintings of peasants, and religious-themed surreal phase. Generously illustrated with examples of Bruegel's work, readers will understand how his legacy inspired so many great artists and filmmakers that followed. Biographies, Detailed Table of Contents, Full-color photographs, For Further Information Section, Glossary, Index, Sidebars, Timelines, Web Sites.

Inspiring Artists tells us what it is that makes some famous artists so important and memorable, not only in terms of their artistic legacy, but also as to their impact on the wider world. It explores their life and times through significant pieces of their art, looking at the work in terms of its context, from conflict (Goya), to festivities (Bruegel) to personal struggle (Van Gogh). Each work is also considered in terms of its style, technique and artistic innovation.

As a royal painter and national treasure, Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) painted celebrated official portraits of the most important people in his Spain. Privately, he explored disturbing themes of fantasy, darkness and death in daring, modern works of art that made him a hero to a generation of artists including Edvard Munch, Salvador Dalì and Pablo Picasso.