The narrative is chronological through time and across cultures, so that one can visit the world of art in any era and learn what was happening around the globe. Clear, synthesizing overviews of each major section provide historical, social, and cultural foundations for the presentation of the art and architecture covered in those sections.

The book's strong design provides dependable visual cues for different kinds of information: for example, boxed explications of art techniques and Timescopes, which are integrated chronological tables that organize important information by geographical area, date, and key events in art and history for each major period. Patronage and sponsorship - who commissioned and paid for artworks, and why - are treated in captions for every work that has a known or presumed sponsor.

Art Past/Art Present's global overview and clear expression are finely tuned to the outlook of our times and to satisfying our curiosity about art from its beginnings to its most current expressions everywhere.