Cézanne

World of Art

by Richard Verdi

In this authoritative and up-to-date study of the painter widely regarded as the father of modern art, Richard Verdi traces the evolution of Cezanne's landscape, still-life and figure compositions, from the turbulently romantic creations of his youth to the visionary masterpieces of his final years. The background of the painter's fluctuating reputation and strained relations with his parents, wife, and close friend Emile Zola, is vividly evoked using excerpts from his own letters and from contemporary accounts of the artist. Concerned both to master the themes of the past, through his copying sessions in Louvre, and to explore the eternal qualities of nature in the countryside of his native Provence, Cezanne sought "to make of Impressionism something solid and durable, like the art of the museums." "In the tradition of Roger Fry." --The New York Review of Books. 182 illus., 33 in color.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1992

Reviews

[Nichola · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty extensive discussion of the man, his life and his artistic journey. It helped me get closer to an understanding of what it is he was trying to do with his work that was different from others, and why he is considered to be a pivotal figure in painting. His focus on form is still something I am trying to grasp, but his balance in life between working in the countryside and learning and socializing in the city was interesting.

[Chris Bertagnole · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense and awkward individual who turned the art world toward modernism. If he only knew!

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more color reproductions to look at. I always feel that's a REALLY important feature for any book about art.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! This book really brought me a greater understanding of Cézanne and his work.

[Sophie (RedheadReading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good solid introduction to Cezanne's life and work, albeit brief and condensed. Would have loved for more of the reproductions to be in colour!

[Siraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku perjalan artistik yang menuliskan jejak hidup pelukis kenamaan dunia Paul Cezanne. Cezanne menjadi seorang legenda karena dianggap sebagai pelopor aliran impressionism yaitu seni menggambar dengan warna-warna palet cerah, gambarnya mewakili perubahan aliran seni lukis dari abad 19 ke seni bebas di abad 20. Lukisannya juga turut menjadi inspirasi untuk pelukis kenamaan dunia seperti Matisse, Braque dan Picasso.

Buku ini menggambarkan perjalan hidup Cezanne lewat lukisannya. Bagaimana hubungannya dengan alam dan manusia digambarkan lewat gambar ke gambar. Persilangannya dengan Emile Zola adalah bagian yang menarik dimana mereka saling menginspirasi menciptakan karya masing-masing. Cezanne dengan portrait-portraitnya serta Emile dengan Cerita Novelnya. Dilengkapi dengan ratusan gambar serta puluhan yang berwarna, ini adalah jenis buku referensi yang sangat detail untuk dikoleksi dan kebutuhan penelitian.

[Frank McAdam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the Thames & Hudson's World of Art series and is geared toward the general reader. As such, it's a brief but solid introduction to the artist Picasso called "my only master." Verdi shows a great deal of insight when evaluating Cezanne's work and placing it within the context of nineteenth century French art. The book is a small format paperback and the reproductions, though of good quality, suffer accordingly. Too many of them, however, are only reproduced in monochrome which is a great shame considering what a superb colorist Cezanne was.

[Chris Gager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of the books given to me by my friend Karen. Also an artist. Cezanne an all-timer of course. Date read is approximate.