This book is an introduction to the historical study of art. It is structured around major problematic topics rather than traditional chronological and geographical principles. All topics are related to the development of art at different stages of human history and on different continents. The book presents various perspectives from which specific objects of art and culture can and should be considered, described and analyzed, and shows what questions to ask and where and how to look for answers. The topics under study are illustrated by numerous works of art from the East and West, from ancient times to the present day. These are paintings, engravings, sculptures, and architectural structures by famous masters — Leonardo, Rubens, Borromini, Van Gogh, Rodin, Picasso, Pollock, and Gabo. But monuments that have been little studied and are unfamiliar to the general reader are also considered. All of them are analyzed using modern methods of the sciences of art and culture.
The publication is addressed to researchers of all humanities specialties and students in these areas; it will also be of interest to a wide range of readers. The book is nominated for the Dmitry Zimin "Enlightener" prize.