"The Smithsonian First Ladies Collection is a beautifully illustrated book inspired by one of the most popular attractions at the Smithsonian: the first ladies exhibit at the National Museum of American History. This striking book showcases the treasures from first ladies throughout history, ranging from Martha Washington's silk dress and dressing mirror to Michelle Obama's 2009 inaugural gown and jewelry. These and many other unforgettable objects--including...

Compelling and alluring, this disquieting volume presents a host of deftly crafted dissectable female wax models and "slashed beauties" created to demonstrate anatomy in museums and fairgrounds around the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. Incisive commentary reveals the evolution of these enigmatic and sensual sculptures from the death masks, wax effigies and votive offerings of the Renaissance, and later to artist's muse, erotic fetish and the...

Cubism was one of the most important and influential movements in twentieth-century art. In the eight years between 1906 and 1914, Cubism - Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in particular - was to change the technique and form of painting, radically and for ever. Originating in Paris, the movement became a truly international force, and one with a profound impact on human visual experience. This book, illustrated with over 300 photographs, presents...

"In this volume the author discusses Hals's work, his development and the significance of his achievement, and relates the little that is known about his life, and the reactions of his contemporaries to his art. In presenting the historical background the author ranges widely and includes such diverse topics as social customs, the organization of Dutch militia companies, the activities of Hals's patrons, contemporary fashion, and the taste for allegories...

The elation of sunlight/ Sheena Wagstaff -- Rothko's Hopper: a strange wholeness/ David Anfam -- Hopper's melancholic gaze/ Margaret Iversen -- Two or three things I know about Edward Hopper/ Peter Wollen -- Hopper's look/ Brian O'Doherty.

The retrospective of Lucian Freud held at the Tate in London in 2002 was seen by more people than any other show there of a living artist. This book comprises his paintings, works on paper and etchings from the last 60 years, some of which was completed as recently as last year.