Best Individual Artist Monographs Books of 2025

Am I Pretty When I Fly? is a delightful album of drawings by the iconic singer Joan Baez. The collection showcases Baez's charming sketches on various themes such as politics, relationships, women, animals, and family. Each section is organized thematically and includes an introductory piece by the artist. Baez's approach to drawing is an exercise in freedom, where she begins drawing upside down and often uses her non-dominant hand. This book is a refreshing look at the artistic side of a beloved icon and a must-read for fans of Baez's work.

The book "Van Gogh. The Complete Paintings" is a comprehensive study of the life and art of Vincent van Gogh, including a detailed monograph and a complete catalogue of his 871 paintings. Despite battling mental illness and disinterest from contemporary audiences, van Gogh is now celebrated as one of the most important painters of all time. This book, published by Taschen, provides a beautiful and detailed look at van Gogh's work and life, making it a must-have for art lovers and scholars alike.

The Vermeer book is a comprehensive study of the life and work of Johannes Vermeer, the most admired Dutch master of the seventeenth century. The book sheds light on all thirty-seven of his paintings, bringing together diverse strands of the artist's professional and private life. With contributions from distinguished international Vermeer scholars and contextual illustrations, the book is a definitive volume that accompanies the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. The book is beautifully designed by Irma Boom, the "Queen of Books," and printed on an uncoated paper. Overall, it is a must-have for art lovers and scholars alike.

This book provides a fascinating insight into the relationship between Edward Hopper and New York City. Through paintings, drawings, prints, and archival materials, readers get a glimpse into how Hopper's experience of the city's spaces and architecture influenced his work. The book features over 300 illustrations and contributions from authoritative and emerging scholars. Kim Conaty, the Steven and Ann Ames Curator of Drawings and Prints at the Whitney Museum of American Art, provides fresh insights into Hopper's life and art. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Hopper's work and his relationship with New York City.

"Monet. The Triumph of Impressionism" by Daniel Wildenstein is a definitive record of Claude Monet's work. The book showcases Monet's dedication to capturing light itself on canvas and his reinvention of the possibilities of color. The biography also covers Monet's late series of water lilies, which are the origin of abstract art. The book is a comprehensive and insightful commentary on the profoundly influential artist, with numerous reproductions and archive photos. Overall, it is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Monet's life and work."

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season Two) is an official behind-the-scenes companion to the second season of the Emmy Award-winning Disney+ series. The book is filled with exclusive concept art, character designs, and interviews with the key crew and creatives, providing readers with an exclusive look at the stunning art and design work that helped bring new and returning characters and locations to life. The book also includes early visual and conceptual ideas for new characters and their arsenal of weapons, ships, and armor, as well as the planets that serve as crucial stepping stones in Din Djarin and Grogu’s quest. This book is perfect for Star Wars fans and anyone interested in the art of filmmaking.

This book is a vibrant overview of the work of illustrator and designer Milton Glaser during the 1960s and 70s. It features hundreds of examples of his designs, including ones that have not been seen since their original publication. Glaser was one of the most celebrated graphic designers of his day, and his work largely defined the international visual style for illustration, advertising, and typeface design. This book is a must-have for graphic design enthusiasts, showcasing Glaser's iconic graphics and the graphic revolution that transformed design and popular culture.

The Codex Seraphinianus: 40th Anniversary Edition is a beloved cult classic that features a visual encyclopedia of an unknown world written in an unknown language. The book has fueled much debate over its meaning, but its appeal is obvious: it is a most exquisite artifact, blurring the line between art book and art object. The special edition includes a new design, new cover illustration, and 15 never-before-seen drawings. With its surreal illustrations and made-up language, Codex Seraphinianus is the perfect book to drive a reader mad with delight and frustration. It feels like a biology textbook designed by Salvador Dalí on acid. Overall, this book is a must-have for fans and collectors of Luigi Serafini's art.

The book "Van Gogh. The Complete Paintings" by Ingo F. Walther and Rainer Metzger offers a comprehensive study of Vincent van Gogh's life and work, including a catalog of his 871 paintings and writings. The authors delve into the artist's struggles with mental illness, which ultimately led to his untimely death. The book showcases van Gogh's unique ability to capture texture, mood, light, and place in his paintings, including iconic works like Sunflowers, The Starry Night, and Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of this master artist.

Taschen's Basic Art Series introduces Claude Monet in a concise yet comprehensive way. The book explores the artist's unique approach to painting, which focused on capturing the act of perception itself rather than just reality. The book features a detailed chronological summary of Monet's life and oeuvre, a concise biography, and approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions. Christoph Heinrich's expertise in art history, theater, and literature make him the perfect author for this book. Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to the works of Claude Monet and a valuable addition to any art lover's library.