Presents a survey of art from the first two decades of the 20th century. The volume explores the invocation of the primitive at the end of the 19th century, analyzes Cubist works based on semiotic theory, and considers some problems of interpretation and evolution posed by some specific examples.

This volume examines the ways in which works of art have achieved a position in the canon of Western art. Focusing on art and institutions in Britain and France from the 17th to the 19th century, the contributors explore the construction and evolution of canonical values.

Explores the visibility of women's art in Britain, Europe and America. This book considers the work of American artists Martha Rosler and Kara Walker, Irish artist Alice Maher, British artists Lubaina Himid, Christine Borland, Sarah Lucas, Cornelia Parker, Gillian Wearing and Rachel Whiteread, and the international performance group, moti roti.

Encompassing European art, architecture and design from the 16th century to the present day, this volume uses case studies to examine the role of gender difference in the production, consumption and interpretation of works of art.

During the Georgian period there was a remarkable proliferation of seductive visual imagery and written accounts of female performers. Focusing on the close relationship between the dramatic and visual arts at this time, this book explores popular ideas of the actress as coquette, 'whore', celebrity, muse, and creative agent.