Irene Baldriga's New Art History Textbook Integrates Digital Tools

Irene Baldriga has authored a new art history textbook series titled "Dentro l'arte. Contesto Metodo Confronti," published by Mondadori / Electa Scuola. The five-volume set covers from Prehistory to contemporary art, emphasizing a historical approach combined with interdisciplinary methods. It includes extensive digital extensions such as interactive video tutorials, reconstructions, restorations, an interdisciplinary timeline, an HD image database, and customizable tests for teachers. The digital platform, MEbook eXtra, offers a "liquid digital book" with concept maps, accessibility features, and collaborative tools. The series aims to address modern educational needs by integrating technology, referencing the Italian Ministry of Education's 1997-2000 program for developing teaching technologies. Critic Antonello Tolve notes some shortcomings, such as limited coverage of Futurism and the classification of Piero Manzoni as "Neo-Dadaist," but overall praises the work's innovation.