This book investigates the fundamental question of what defines modern art and how it emerged as a distinct cultural and historical phenomenon. David Cottington, a professor of art history, utilizes a concise analytical framework to trace the evolution of modernism from the mid-nineteenth century to the contemporary era. He examines the interplay between social change, technological advancement, and the shifting role of the artist in society to explain the radical departures from traditional aesthetic standards.

Experts and educators frequently cite this volume as a foundational, accessible entry point for students and general readers seeking a structured overview of modernism. Readers often note the clarity of the prose, which successfully distills complex art-historical theories into a manageable format for non-specialists.