An in-depth portrayal of the artistic development of modern art from its impressionistic beginnings in the 19th century to the pluralistic art scene of the present, showing this movement as a completed development in art history. It follows the parallel developments in science, philosophy, politics and social history of the 20th century, underlining the interconnecting facets in the various developments and theorectical structures. The volume also covers details on the life and works of the important artists of the period.