From Prehistory to the Renaissance (The History of Western Art in Comics #1)

Originally published in France, this graphic novel offers a lively survey of Western art history, segueing chronologically from prehistoric Europe to the Middle East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome before ending in Renaissance Florence. A white grandfather spends the day strolling around Paris with his two grandchildren, as panels of modern-day Paris give way to detailed historical depictions. Grandpa’s explanations against multihued backdrops contrast with artisans’ white speech bubbles, as both explain—often with humor—art techniques, styles, and materials. Heitz’s characters, which exhibit the clear-line, round-nose cartoon style of Hergé’s Tintin, fill panels and unframed scenes highlighting the overlap of architecture, art, and religious and geopolitical influences. The book can feel didactic, and some French references may be lost on U.S. readers, but Augustin packages a lot of art history into a compact, accessible format. Back matter includes photographs of the art, as well as a glossary and index. Ages 10–up. (July)