Great Art Explained (Signed Copy)

The Stories Behind the World's Greatest Masterpieces

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Art appreciation made accessible, relevant and entertaining; writer, curator and YouTuber James Payne demystifies great works of art

Based on the popular and enormously successful YouTube channel of the same name, Great Art Explained unveils the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most iconic paintings and sculptures, proving that there’s more to art than just watching paint dry. It can be thrilling, if you give it a chance. It is how you view the work, place it in context and understand its history that makes an artwork truly come alive.

A fresh approach to a classic subject, James Payne’s no-nonsense analysis sheds new light on thirty different masterpieces from around the globe and reveals what makes them truly timeless works of art. Each chapter delves into not only the art itself but also the artist’s life, as well as the work’s place in their wider oeuvre; in other words, what makes it ‘great’. From Hilma af Klint’s occult altarpieces to Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to Georgia O’Keeffe’s Jimson Weed, each artwork is explored with clarity and passion.

Whether a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this book promises to deepen your appreciation and enrich your understanding of some of the world’s greatest treasures.
Extent: 320 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 223
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Size: 24.5 x 21.0 cm
ISBN: 9780500031124

Press Reviews

James Payne’s YouTube Channel “Great Art Explained” gained a huge and appreciative worldwide audience. This beautifully put-together book is simply the best introduction to the lifelong pleasure and rewards of looking at pictures since Gombrich. An instant classic
Stephen Fry




About the Author

James Payne is a writer, curator and educator, as well as the creator of popular YouTube channels Great Art Explained and Great Books Explained. Payne's videos have been shown at museums and galleries such as the Albertina Museum in Vienna, and he has given talks in several countries, including South Korea, Portugal and Italy. Payne was also co-owner and Head Curator of PayneShurvell gallery (2010–14).

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