Erwin Rosenthalrsquo;s Contemporary Art in the Light of History; originally published in 1971; is a small masterpiece of writing on the art of the twentieth century. A scholar of medieval art by training and a prominent antiquarian bookseller; Rosenthal; who died in l981; was equally entranced by modern art; particularly abstraction. His three linked essays in this bookmdash;ldquo;Contemporary Art in the Light of History;rdquo; ldquo;Art and Technology;rdquo; and ldquo;Art Theories and Manifestos; Old and Newrdquo;mdash;set out a path to understanding modern art through its affinities with the art of the past.Rosenthal engages with some of the enduring aesthetic questions: How do new forms and new artistic vocabularies respond to the deepest human needs and impulses? What is the relationship between artistic theory and artistic expression? Nicolas Poussinrsquo;s mythological landscapes; Paul Kleersquo;s graphic abstractions; Bridget Rileyrsquo;s op-art compositionsmdash;these and many other examples from centuries of painting; sculpture; poetry; and music take us; in these pages; on a fascinating cultural journey with a sophisticated and lucid guide. Rosenthalrsquo;s explorations of the theory and practice of twentieth-century artists bring us directly into the minds and studios of modern artists. What is more; like his previous The Changing Concept of Reality in Art; already republished by Arcade; this book invites us into a great intimacy with the origins of art.
#69928 in eBooks 2014-08-05 2014-08-05File Name: B00E78IB3E
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great insight into Basquiats private lifeBy Mrs. WillisI bought this book for my husband; and he really enjoyed it. At first; the unusual writing style bothered him; but by 50 pages in; hed become used to it. He has always been a huge fan of Basquiats art; but knew little about him as a person. So; he was very disturbed by many of the revelations in this book about Basquiats true character. For a man who is very respectful of women; the book was almost too much. But ultimately; he came out with a greater understanding of the artist and the art. My husband is a successful artist; so it meant a lot to him to see how Basquiat operated during his depressingly short life.I have not read the book; because honestly the writing style puts me off also. But for a unique look into the artists tragic life; this book is priceless. And Suzannes story is one of a woman who really beat the odds. Overall; this book comes highly recommended by Mr. Willis.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. FantasticBy Marie McculloughOne of the best books that I have ever read beautifully written poetic will be looking for more from this author! Basquiats girlfriend is a very interesting and had a historically unique perspective4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Must read for anyone interested in Basquiat/his work/his lifeBy NakiaAfter viewing the Jean-Michel Basquiats documentary film; The Radiant Child and viewing the motion picture based on his life; Basquiat I became instantly drawn to Basquiats life story and his work. I bought this book for more insight on the man and the artist. This book is a quick read and it really does a great job in providing snapshots into the life of one of the greatest; most innovative visual artists to ever live. Whether you are conducting research on Basquiat or just want to know more about him; this book is a must-read. It is kooky; cerebral; tragic; melancholy; funny; and most of all poignant.