Modern Art 1851-1929: Capitalism and Representation

by Richard R. Brettell

The period 1851 to 1929 witnessed the rise of the major European avant-garde the Realists, Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Symbolists, Cubists, and Surrealists. It was also a time of rapid social, economic, and political change, encompassing a revolution in communication systems and technology, and an unprecedented growth in the availability of printed images. Richard Brettell's innovative account explores the aims and achievements -- the beautiful and the bizarre -- of artists such as Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, and Dali, in relation to urban capitalism and expansion, colonialism, nationalism and internationalism, and the museum. Tracing common themes of representation, imagination, perception, and sexuality across works in a wide range of different media he presents a fresh approach to the fine art and photography of this remarkable era.

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published July 22, 1999

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this but I've realised now that the Oxford History of Art series is written for people who already know about art. This is not me. I don't feel like I learnt anything at all from this book because its writing was too highbrow and most of the time the author just dropped in names and references instead of talking about any one thing in depth.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great text on the subject. Also, great photo representation of the work. I like Oxford's History of Art Collection.

[David C Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very wide ranging art survey and critical assessment of art historiography itself, albeit centered on the seminal importance of Paris/France. The connections with capitalism are more asserted than proved, however. It frequently is a bit too hectoring about what historians haven’t done (a quantitative analysis of portrait commissions, for instance, which sounds like a good idea so long as someone else does it).
Also: it’s interesting how in the last decade art history has shifted from the kind of study advocated here - the implication and embedding of the work of art in social practice - for a contemplative study of the work that frequently doesnt get out of the historian’s head. For instance, the shift in TJ Clark from his Manet’s Modernism to his recent Heaven on Earth.

[Michael Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a dip into art history as an academic subject, it's interesting. And I did learn about artists I hadn't previously heard of or appreciated. But overall it's not clear who this book is for. It's essentially a series of essays talking about the development of art in its social context at a bizarrely high level. I did appreciate the prints though!