In the Shadow of Velázquez: A Life in Art History

by Jonathan Brown

In this lucid, witty book, the eminent art historian Jonathan Brown examines links between his personal life and his study of Hispanic art of the Golden Age. His adventures are offered as a model for understanding how art history is shaped by life experiences, and he describes the influence of his parents, Jean and Leonard Brown, noted collectors of documentation of 20th-century avant-garde movements.His turn to research on the Golden Age of Spanish art was motivated by a year in Madrid, 1958-59. Art history in Spain was modeled on the policies of the Franco regime, and Brown sought to find different ways to interpret Spanish painting. His approach is demonstrated by fresh insight into painters, including Velázquez. A new interpretation of Las Meninas is proposed and the perils of attribution are examined. Later in his career, Brown began to study the transformation of Spanish art in the Americas.

The book originated as a series of six lectures delivered at the Museo Nacional del Prado in 2012.

Genres: Spain, Art

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2014

Reviews

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

i had heard this was a pleasure to read and informative too, and sure enough, tis. author gave a series of lectures at prado, and in book form it is also an autobiography. he has fascinating theory of las meninas painting , in that valazquez wasn't coding anything, there isnt any clues or symbols per se, that what he did was sprezzatura (sp?) showing off his skill for all and any who doubted him a master, "freehanding" this masterpiece in just a few weeks, right before he died. Jonathan brown writes plainly, forthrightly, interestingly, like i said, a pleasure. also he has interesting section on colonial Spanish painting and how it morphed through time with indigenous, local white, french, spanish, italian, then true styles of its own. lots of great color pictures, notes (with bib in notes) and good index.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute pleasure to read--and fascinating to learn more about what the professional life of an art historian is like. Brown lived at a pivotal moment --in that there really wasn't "Spanish art history" in many universities before him. He has been very active promoting Spanish art and remains one of the world's experts. Of course, I loved hearing the details of his theory on Las Meninas--much talked about. Actually, the theory is more common-sensical suggesting that there are no hidden meanings or codes; but rather that Las Meninas was completed AFTER he had been given the Order and that it was created to thank the king (the Planet King) and to give a good taste of what miracles he was capable of in terms of technique. Completed quickly if Brown's theory is correct; Brown also said that at the time, there was a debate between drawing versus color when it comes to painting and that siding with those who loved Titian best that this work was an expression of why color is supreme in pictorial art. I loved the descriptions of the court and was very interested to learn that Brown turned to Spanish art created in Mexico (he calls it New Spanish Art) in later years. Great detail about Hapsburg art collecting practices too! LOVED it.