It’s that time of year again, folks. Time to think up some creative present ideas for the art history lovers in your life. Perhaps you’ve got someone on your list who loves art and books. Perhaps that someone is you. Either way, we’ve got you covered with some awesome art-themed ideas for bibliophiles.
1. Where’s Warhol? by Catherine Ingram and Andrew Rae
You don’t have to be an Andy Warhol-ic to fall utterly in love with this Where’s Waldo parody, in which the distinctive pop artist hides within twelve memorable moments in art history, from The Garden of Earthly Delights to the painting of the Sistine Chapel, only to be located amidst a sea of art history Easter eggs. A perfect coffee table book that is endlessly entertaining.
Find it here.
2. Broad Strokes by Bridget Quinn
A recently published and gorgeously illustrated look at some of history’s underserved female artists, from Artemesia Gentileschi to Lee Krasner and beyond. Written in an engaging, conversational tone, this inspiring book is sure to appeal to readers, art history lovers, and feminists alike. Bonus: Under the dust jacket, the cover is a hot pink.
You can get it here.
3. How Art Can Make you Happy by Bridget Watson Payne
This lovely little volume is perfect for people who are newcomers to art or people who just want to remember why they like art so much in the first place. It encourages you to enjoy what you are looking at, not be intimidated by it, which we here at Sartle can totally get behind.
Find it here.
4. The Collector of Lives: Giorgio Vasari and the Invention of Art by Ingrid Rowland and Noah Charney
Or perhaps you need something a little more meta, like a book about the history of art history. If so, check out this new biography of Georgio Vasari, the first biographer of artists. While it looks like some heavy-duty art history, it’s packed with cool facts and all the intrigue and scandal only Renaissance Italy can provide.
Get it here.
So we've seen a lot of art books, but how about some accessories for book lovers.
5. Bookmarks Galore
Perfect for the person who matches each book with an aesthetically compatible bookmark. (And yes, that is completely normal behavior. Trust me.) With this collection of fifty random, high-quality fine art bookmarks, they’ll have the right bookmark for each and every volume. And, because Pomegranate is awesome, each set includes art from more than just the Western canon, too. You could even buy a couple sets and hand-select bookmarks to give to your loved ones.
Such a steal! Find it here.
6 . Great Nudes of Art History mug
‘Hey, Adam, that’s a nice t-shirt you got there… It would look better MELTED OFF.”
It is a truth universally acknowledged that book lovers enjoy hot beverages, whether it be tea or coffee. And what better way to serve up some hot stuff than in this Great Nudes of Art History mug by the Unemployed Philosophers’ Guild. The images on the side start out clothed until hot liquid is added, and the clothes disappear to reveal the full glory underneath.
You can find that here.
7. Bob Ross Blanket
While art historians may turn up their noses at Thomas Kinkade, most would never dream of doing such a thing to the one and only, universally revered Bob Ross. And let’s face it, it’s a cold world out there. Book lovers need blankets to curl up with when they read, and what could be better than this happy little blanket that will keep them warm inside and out?
It can be found here.
If you’ve got fashionistas or kids to shop for, be sure to check out our other holiday gift guides, too.
Editor