Great Art Explained by James Payne Based on the enormously popular YouTube channel of the same name, Great Art Explained unveils the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most iconic paintings and sculptures, proving that there’s more to art than what meets the eye. Art can be thrilling, if you give it a chance. It is how you view a piece, place it in context, and understand its history that makes an artwork truly come alive.A fresh approach to a classic subject, author James Payne's compelling narratives shed new light on thirty different masterpieces from around the globe and reveal what makes them truly timeless works of art. Payne delves not only into the artwork itself but also into the artist's life, the cultural, artistic, and societal influences around them, as well as the artwork's place in their wider oeuvre; in other words, what makes it "great.