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From Duccio to Raphael: Connoisseurship in Crisis
Paperback in very good condition. Minor edgewear to covers and crease to upper leading corner of front cover. Mark to page block upper corner. Pages are sound and internally clean throughout. TA
Paperback
First published December 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 11, 2025
If you are a fan of Harvard University, or of the Art World establishment, prepare to be triggered by this book! Published shortly before he died, James Beck presents here a well-informed, carefully researched, and highly partisan scathing indictment of the attribution of several high profile items during the early 2000s.
There are no heroes, only villains in this account. Beck’s writing, his logic, his credentials, his research, his formidable intelligence, and above all, his epic snark are at times infuriating. His pronouncements, his weighty “J’accuse” style of accusations, and his absolutely towering indignation are sometimes hard to take.
One shudders at the thought of being the target of such a formidable brain, especially when coupled with this level of towering rage! But it’s hard to muster pity for the arrogantly impervious corporate entities who so casually brushed off Beck’s objections, after having blithely spent millions of public funds on artworks that may or may not be what they are said to be.
Beck clearly understood that this was a battle he could never win. His enemy was the Establishment, and its representatives remain undefeated, snug in their lofty perches. But for some warriors, the outcome of a fight is not what matters; it’s the justice of their chosen cause that motivates them and stokes their tireless resistance. Beck was always willing to fight for justice, even if it meant being on the losing side of a battle (note his work regarding the notorious Sistine Chapel restorations). And the fact remains that someday, when all of the remaining players in this drama have retired or passed on, History may someday prove him to have been right all along.
There are no heroes, only villains in this account. Beck’s writing, his logic, his credentials, his research, his formidable intelligence, and above all, his epic snark are at times infuriating. His pronouncements, his weighty “J’accuse” style of accusations, and his absolutely towering indignation are sometimes hard to take.
One shudders at the thought of being the target of such a formidable brain, especially when coupled with this level of towering rage! But it’s hard to muster pity for the arrogantly impervious corporate entities who so casually brushed off Beck’s objections, after having blithely spent millions of public funds on artworks that may or may not be what they are said to be.
Beck clearly understood that this was a battle he could never win. His enemy was the Establishment, and its representatives remain undefeated, snug in their lofty perches. But for some warriors, the outcome of a fight is not what matters; it’s the justice of their chosen cause that motivates them and stokes their tireless resistance. Beck was always willing to fight for justice, even if it meant being on the losing side of a battle (note his work regarding the notorious Sistine Chapel restorations). And the fact remains that someday, when all of the remaining players in this drama have retired or passed on, History may someday prove him to have been right all along.
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May 18, 2011Review at 3pp:
http://www.3pipe.net/2011/05/elusive-...
http://www.3pipe.net/2011/05/elusive-...
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews