Symbolism

by Michael Gibson

A study of the Symbolist movement, which emerged in the mid to late 19th century and expired during World War I. Introductory essay, biographical sketches of Symbolist artists, selected bibliography, list of illustrations, acknowledgments. 255+ 1 pages. stiff paper wrappers. 4to..

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction, Reference, History, Philosophy, Research

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Iida Kuusisto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to like this book; from it's vast amount of large and high-quality pictures to the biographies of the artists, this book has much to offer when it comes to meticulous details and the over-arching story of Symbolism.

However it was a very frustrating read due to the layout of the pages and the pictures chosen. The artworks shown are not related to the text on the same page; sometimes the artworks even have nothing to do with the text. Next to the pictures are often small paragraphs which interrupt the flow of reading and are sometimes even repeated on a different page. Paragraphs are often cut off by images or even spreads of images lasting multiple pages. I wouldn't usually rant this much and this negatively about a book but reading this one was very infuriating at times.

[Brittany Sanford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an extensive wealth of information that pleasantly broadened my mind to the art world.
It introduced me to stories behind familiar artworks I'd never heard, but also to new artworks I'd never seen.
It's a thick book I wish I could keep in my library to admire every now and again. The image quality is very clear, vibrant and I didn't find the text too pretentious at all like most art and history books.

[Brian Durance · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have stated as well, the overall design and layout created an unnecessary sense of frustration. When presenting information about a highly visual topic the top priority should be to give close proximity between the words and the images. Not the case here. However we are treated to many rare artworks. The information itself seems merely to scratch the surface of some details while delving deep into trivial things.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came across this at one of my local haunts. It's a more than adequate survey -- covers France, Britain, the States, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany etc. Could stand to be longer only because the subject itself is rich and Gibson seems to know his stuff. Moreau gets the best treatment, as he should. But I'm beginning to think Rops was an equally compelling figure. Can't say his best work was displayed here, nor did Gibson give him more than a paragraph or so of text. But oh, well.

Others have complained about the formatting. I suppose it's an issue. I just assumed all art books have this problem and was happy to see the subject well handled at an affordable price.

[蓝 幻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

对个人来说颇有历史意义的一本书。5年前开始尝试系统读书，差不多就是从这本《象征主义》开始的，当时更多的是共鸣。看到诗人们通过象征与类比对超验世界的探索，感到多年自己无法名状的感受，原来有这么多的先人早已做过深入的研究和探索。五年后再读这本书，对书中所讲的具体内容有了更多的认识，并且能够将其放在历史时期中、结合其他各种横向的思潮特别是神秘主义理论去理解，收获很多。由衷的感谢作者和在十分古老的年代将其引入国内的译者

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twee sterren voor de tekst, zes sterren voor de wonderschone afbeeldingen 🥺

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical and international perspective of the last vestiges of Romanticism, from the impact of the industrial revolution to regional zeitgeists.

[Megangoldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I crave more than this conversation is the feeling of your touch.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A varied collection of gorgeous, fantastical and disturbing images. The text provides useful context, although occasionally uses too much art theory jargon.

[Ellenore Clementine Kruger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not for kids or people unaware of evil practices. You dont really need it, but there is proof of corruption, and it is less than inspiring. I would prefer censorship but… you dont do yourself any favors by making an idol out of this book or any art world honestly, unless there is something in it quite well-wishing or whatever. So I would say this is a lot of cryptic messages, and I dont wish people to be enthusiastic about it in any way. I felt the same about some ancient egyptian mythology as well.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very extensive and interesting but the arrangement wasn't very good; the pictures weren't on the same pages as they were discussed, and sometimes were not even anything to do with what was being talked about! Also at times the author seemed to drift off subjects without really finishing them!

[Aras · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://electric-pages.livejournal.com...

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent reproductions of works that don't get a lot of attention in general history books. I read some of the text, but mostly looked at the reproductions.

[Kathee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the photos but was disappointed in the discussion. photos not on same page as where they are being discussed. I also felt like the author didn't really like Symbolism.

[Victor Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the painting style