<p>In my dealings with AP art history teachers, many recommend that students read “Annotated Mona Lisa” the summer before starting the class. Also, Gardner’s textbook is by far and away the most widely used art history book in high school classes; the new edition also covers art outside Europe, or non-Western art, now a substantial part of the AP art history exam.</p>
<p>Reading art history blogs is also a great (and free!) way to familiarize oneself with world famous paintings. I’d suggest “Famous Paintings Reviewed” by Masterpiece Cards, publishers of art history flashcards about famous paintings, and “Art Blog by Bob”, a fabulous art history blog. Famous Paintings Reviewed also has a list of other art history blogs…</p>