Book excerpt: Take a guided tour through history and discover the most precious, iconic, and celebrated objects ever created. Revered, admired, and protected - every country and culture has certain artifacts that are prized above all others. Cultural Treasures of the World brings together more than 200 of these objects, exploring the fascinating and unique stories behind each of them. From the Bust of Nefertiti to the Benin Bronzes, and the Altamira cave paintings to Van Gogh's Sunflowers, these artifacts and artworks are revered for their beauty, artistry, or historical significance - and often all three at once. Discover how and why they were created, unravel the hidden meanings and symbolism they contain, and learn about the cultural legacy they have left behind. So what are you waiting for? Dive into this awe-inspiring history of art book to explore: - An immersive “visual tour” approach, combining stunning photography with accessible text and annotation - Feature boxes on cultural influences, symbolism, and technique offer additional context - Covers a wide range of regions, periods, and media – including sculpture, painting, jewelry, tapestry, rock art, documents, sacred objects, and more A treasure trove of human creativity that offers a fresh and unforgettable new perspective on civilizations and societies, Cultural Treasures of the World is the perfect gift for gallery- and museum-lovers, and armchair travelers everywhere. Doubling up as a great coffee table book, Cultural Treasures of the World combines stunning photography with detailed annotation to highlight key elements of technique, artistry, and symbolism, making this museum in a book perfect for anyone with an interest in art, history and culture alike.