The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and his Followers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and his Followers? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and his Followers. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and his Followers ReviewI like to think of myself as a person who is curious about a wide range of things, especially in the realm of culture and the arts. Most art history books, however, put me right to sleep, with their endless catalogs of curatorial details about brushstrokes and paint textures and influences and provenance. These detailed analyses almost never situate the paintings in any sort of context and almost never explain WHY we should be interested in these details, other than to prove ourselves worthy connoiseurs to others in the know. Clark's book is a refreshing change from such mandarin drivel. Clark begins with a lengthy discussion of the social context of the paintings he is about to discuss and only then proceeds to extended analyses of particular paintings. Clark is interested in the larger ideas and trends of the period and, most important of all, actually USES the details of the paintings as evidence in the course of making an ARGUMENT about what the paintings mean (hint to other art historians: having an argument contributes significantly to the interest of a book or article). In addition, Clark's argument about the nature of the social changes occuring in France in the 1860's and 70's is compelling and thought-provoking (be forewarned: some Marxism is involved). I found myself actually learning things about the paintings Clark discusses, and looking at them over and over again, trying to find more in them, in much the same way as I would go back to a book or a poem after reading a good piece of literary criticism. I think this book will appeal to anyone who wants to learn more about either 19th-century French painting or 19th-century France. Clark is a stimulating and perceptive guide to this crucial period in the history of painting. Bravo!The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and his Followers Overview

Want to learn more information about The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and his Followers?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now