Artworks can be shocking, outrageous, breath-taking and rule-breaking. But some go even further and manage to leave a legacy so powerful, it can be called world-changing. This book looks at 10 of these artworks - from the prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux that revealed to us how innate art really is to being human, to Banksy's Sweeping it Under the Carpet, which used art as a political statement, painted on a gallery wall. Each of the 10 world-changing pieces of art is examined in detail - who was the artist; how was it created; what kind of a legacy has it left; and how is it still relevant to us today? Spanning human history, from anonymous cave paintings in 15,000 BCE, to Renaissance Italy, Pop art in the 1960s and modern-day installations, this book not only examines the incredible art created during this time, but also places it in the context of historical events. The artworks include paintings, sculptures, installations and graffiti. Perfect for course work and cross-curricular activities spanning history, art and politics; the book includes 10 further influential pieces of art, as well as a timeline that places the artwork in the context of world history.

Author Biography

Ben Hubbard began his writing career at a what's-on newspaper in the 1990s, interviewing bands, actors and artists in his native Wellington, New Zealand. He later joined the fast-paced world of daily newspaper journalism before packing up shop and moving to England. Here, Ben tied a number of new strings to his bow: magazine editor, book editor, and finally, author. Today, Ben writes a mix of non-fiction for all ages - preschoolers through to adults. He has penned titles on an eclectic subject range: from space exploration, samurai warriors and medieval castles; to pop music, pets, tornadoes and rugby skills.