A beautiful and insightful examination of the parallels between two of the 19th century's most famous artists
The affinities between Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) and Edvard Munch (1863–1944) have long been noted, yet a formal comparative study of the two artists has never been made. Known for emotionally charged paintings, deeply personal and innovative styles, and dramatic lives of hardship, both Van Gogh and Munch fundamentally shaped the modern art movement in late-19th-century Europe. Gogh is the first publication to compare these two infamous and influential artists side by side, offering a groundbreaking critical examination of the parallels between their oeuvres and artistic ambitions. Gorgeously illustrated, the book offers a close consideration of the artists’ uses of color, stylization, brushwork, and unconventional compositions in both paintings and drawings. The authors also draw connections between Van Gogh’s and Munch’s evocative and poignant correspondence with family and friends, allowing readers to understand more profoundly the essence of their art.
Distributed for Mercatorfonds
Exhibition Munch Museet, Oslo (05/09/15–09/06/15) Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (09/24/15–01/17/16)
Interesting comparison of these two fine artists. The quality of the reproductions made it easier to compare their paint applications and use of color. My only regret was I had no way to see this thoughtfully curated exhibition.
Munch: Van Gogh door Magne Bruteig is een fascinerende vergelijking van de werken van kunstenaars Vincent van Gogh en Edvard Munch. Het boek biedt een verhelderende kijk op de parallellen tussen de twee iconen van de schilderkunst, waarbij Bruteig hun werk en levens grondig analyseert.
Bruteig slaagt erin om de gedeelde thema’s van eenzaamheid, psychologische diepgang en het gebruik van kleur te belichten, terwijl hij ook de verschillen in stijl en benadering van de werkelijkheid benadrukt. Het boek is zowel toegankelijk voor kunstliefhebbers als voor academici, dankzij de combinatie van gedetailleerde kunsthistorische context en duidelijke, begrijpelijke taal.
Het werk biedt een frisse blik op Munch’s werk, door de invloed van Van Gogh in zijn artistieke ontwikkeling te plaatsen. Een aanrader voor wie geïnteresseerd is in de kruisbestuiving tussen twee van de grootste schilders uit de moderne kunstgeschiedenis.
I bought this on my visit to Oslo earlier in the summer. The exhibition in Oslo was amazing and the parallels of these two artists were easy to see displayed in the Munch museum. Once home I read this book in no time. The parallels become even more apparent as I read this beautiful book.
Saw the exhibition of this in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, bought the catalogue on the strength of that. Looking forward to reading the material that is presented here.