Everything you know about art is wrong

the long version

"A highly entertaining read for anyone with even a passing interest in art and art history. This myth-busting book takes you on a great ride through the lives of starving (and not so starving) artists, unusual exhibitions and painting blunders throughout history. Think that the Mona Lisa is the most reproduced image in history? Think again - it's the face of Queen Elizabeth II on stamps and currency around the world. Think that Vincent van Gogh chopped his own ear off? Think again - Paul Gauguin lopped it off with a sword during a heated argument. Also, learn which famous painting led a bunch of Oxford academics to create a flute that can be played with your bottom, and why there is a bust of Lenin at the South Pole. Packed with details on popular artworks, it explodes a range of myths from the fame of the Mona Lisa (when it was stolen in 1911, more people visited the Louvre to see the empty space than the painting itself) to which famous artist designed the Chupa Chups logo. Myths regarding techniques, circumstances and lives of artists are all covered to give you a fascinating insight into the true history of art."--Provided by publisher.