2024's Best Art Books for Holiday Gifting
There’s something magical about the weight of a book in your hands—a promise of stories, beauty, and insight waiting to unfold. For art lovers, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes creativity, a well-chosen art book is more than a gift; it’s an invitation to explore, dream, and be inspired. This holiday season, these standout titles promise to dazzle and delight.
Listen to the accompanying Reading the Art World podcast episode below.
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment
Edited by Sylvie Patry and Anne Robbins
Published by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., this book accompanies the exhibition on view through January 19, 2025. To learn more about the development of the exhibition and catalogue, listen to our Reading the Art World episode with show curators here.
Why I picked this: Few moments in art history are as revolutionary—or as beautifully documented—as the first Impressionist exhibition. This book captures the audacity of Monet, Renoir, and their contemporaries with stunning reproductions and compelling essays. A visual and intellectual feast for art history enthusiasts.
Willem de Kooning and Italy
Edited by Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato
Published by Marsilio Arte and distributed internationally by Artbook D.A.P., Willem de Kooning and Italy is the first monograph to expand upon the artist’s two impactful trips to Italy: in the fall of 1959 and in the summer of 1969. Listen to our Reading the Art World episode with catalogue editor and exhibition curator, Gary Garrels,
Why I chose this book: Explore the profound influence of Italy on Willem de Kooning’s work in this gorgeous book. Rich with archival photographs, thoughtful analysis by diverse voices and a deep dive into his creative process, it’s a captivating look at how place can shape an artist's vision. A wonderful choice for modern art enthusiasts or travelers who understand the transformative power of discovery.
Manet: A Model Family
Edited by Diana Seave Greenwald
Published by Princeton University Press, Manet: A Model Family offers a fascinating look at the personal life and family relationships that shaped one of art history's most influential painters. Listen to our Reading the Art World podcast episode with exhibition curator and catalogue editor, Diana Greenwald.
Why I chose this book: Dive into the intimate world of Édouard Manet with this fresh examination of his familial ties and how they shaped his art. Richly illustrated and brimming with new scholarship, this book is a must for anyone curious about the man behind the masterpieces. Ideal for lovers of 19th-century French painting or anyone fascinated by the interplay of personal and creative life. Perfect for those who love art that is both personal and revolutionary, it’s a must-read for fans of French modernism.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime
Edited by Sarah Roberts
Contributions by Elizabeth Alexander, Dario Calmese, Rhea L. Combs and Deborah Willis
Published by Yale University Press, this monograph encompasses the full arc of Amy Sherald’s career.
Why I chose this book: Sherald’s vivid, thoughtful portraits have redefined contemporary art, and this monograph is a testament to her vision. A compelling read for anyone interested in how art shapes identity, it’s both a celebration of Sherald’s work and a meditation on the transformative power of portraiture. With essays that unpack Sherald’s ability to reimagine Black identity in bold, vivid hues, this monograph offers a deep dive into her work, making it an inspiring gift for anyone who believes in art’s power to shape identity and spark conversation.
Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism
By Sebastian Smee
Published by W. W. Norton, renowned art critic Sebastian Smee shows how the “Terrible Year” in Paris was the backdrop to the birth of the Impressionist movement. My Reading the Art World interview Sebastian Smee will launch in January 2025.
Why I chose this book: This book brings history to life, intertwining the harrowing events of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune with the strength of the Parisian spirit. It’s a fascinating and poignant read for history lovers and anyone intrigued by how turmoil reshapes culture, weaving history, culture, and resilience into an unforgettable tapestry.
Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man
By Michael Findlay
Published by Prestel, this memoir from art dealer Michael Findlay provides a personal perspective on New York’s art scene in the 1960s and ‘70s. In the fall of 2022, I spoke with Michael about his other book, The Value of Art—listen to the episode here.
Why I chose this book: In this memoir, Michael Findlay’s charm and wit shine through as he recounts his rise in the art world. A delightful blend of anecdotes and reflections, this book is perfect for art insiders or anyone curious about the business of beauty. Smart, sophisticated, and eminently readable.
Picasso: Endlessly Drawing
Edited by Anne Lemonnier and Johan Popelard
Published by Prestel Publishing, this collection of drawings provides a career-spanning perspective of Picasso’s use of line.
Why I chose this book: An intimate exploration of Picasso’s works on paper, this book reveals the artist’s insatiable creativity and his love affair with the act of drawing. With its elegant design and insightful essays, it’s a must-have for anyone intrigued by Picasso’s genius.
The Art Front: The Defense of French Collections 1939-1945
By Rose Valland
Published by the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, this book is the first-ever English translation of Rose Valland’s 1961 memoir, recounting the quiet bravery of one of the great heroines of World War II.
Why I chose this book: For the first time, Rose Valland’s gripping memoir, detailing her efforts to protect France’s artistic treasures during WWII, is available in English. This beautifully bound volume, featuring more than 100 images, maps, and a glossary, is brought to life through Ophélie Jouan’s expert translation and Robert M. Edsel’s insightful introduction. A testament to bravery and cultural preservation, The Art Front is a must-read for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone captivated by stories of resilience in the face of war. This book is a treasure, much like the masterpieces it seeks to defend.
How Painting Happens (and why it matters)
By Martin Gayford
Published by Thames & Hudson, How Painting Happens (and why it matters) brings together numerous artists’ voices, collected from conversations conducted over three decades. Author Martin Gayford offers insight into the practice and impact of painting. This past spring, I spoke with Martin about his book, Venice: City of Pictures; listen to the episode here.
Why I chose this book: For anyone who has ever stood in front of a painting and wondered why it moves them, this book offers profound and thoughtful answers. Perfect for deep thinkers and art lovers alike, it’s a celebration of painting as both an act of creation and a timeless human connection.
Surrealism
By Didier Ottinger and Marie Sarré
Published by Editions du Centre Pompidou and ACC Art Books in conjunction with the Centre Pompidou’s landmark exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto, this extraordinary catalogue celebrates the movement that forever changed the way we see the world. As the exhibition tours globally from 2024 to 2026, Surrealism captures the energy, audacity, and boundless imagination of Magritte, Dalí, Carrington, Tanning, Ernst, and more.
Why I chose this book: Curated with the same daring spirit as the movement itself, the book defies traditional layouts, featuring a dynamic design that mirrors the multi-faceted nature of Surrealism. Essays by leading scholars, including Mary Ann Caws—a celebrated authority on Surrealism—are paired with original excerpts from Breton’s manifesto, immersing readers in the movement’s radical ideas.
A must-have for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the subconscious or the artistry of dreams, this catalogue is more than a companion to an exhibition—it’s an essential work that redefines the art of thought and vision. A captivating and bold gift for the dreamers, thinkers, and art lovers in your life.