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The Devil in the Gallery: How Scandal, Shock, and Rivalry Shaped the Art World
"It’s an in-depth look at varied time periods and artists, which readers interested in gossip, drama, or art history will enjoy." Library Journal, Starred Review Scandal, shock and rivalry all have negative connotations, don’t they? They can be catastrophic to businesses and individual careers. A whiff of scandal can turn a politician into a smoking ruin. But these potentially disastrous “negatives” can and have spurred the world of fine art to new heights. A look at the history of art tells us that rivalries have, in fact, not only benefited the course of art, from ancient times to the present, but have also helped shape our narrative of art, lending it a sense of drama that it might otherwise lack, and therefore drawing the interest of a public who might not be drawn to the objects alone. There would be no Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo had rival Raphael not tricked the pope into assigning him the commission, certain that Michelangelo, who had never before worked with frescoes, would botch the job and become a laughing stock. Scandal and shock have proven to be powerful weapons when harnessed and wielded willfully and well. That scandal is good for exposure has been so obviously the case that many artists have courted it intentionally, which we will define as intentionally overturning expectations of the majority in a way that traditionalist find dismaying or upsetting, but which a certain minority avant-garde find exciting. From Damien Hirst presenting the public with a shark embalmed in formaldehyde and entombed in a glass case to Marcel Duchamp trying to convince the art community that a urinal is a great sculpture shock has been a key promotional tool. The Devil in the Gallery is a guided tour of the history of art through it scandals, rivalries, and shocking acts, each of which resulted in a positive step forward for art in general and, in most cases, for the careers of the artists in question. In addition to telling dozens of stories, lavishly illustrated in full color, of such dramatic moments and arguing how they not only affected the history of art but affected it for the better, we will also examine the proactive role of the recipients of these intentionally dramatic The art historians, the critics and even you, the general public. The Devil likes to lurk in dark corners of the art world, morphing into many forms. Let us shed light upon him.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2021
17 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Noah Charney
89 books188 followersNoah Charney holds degrees in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art and Cambridge University. He is the founding director of the Association for Research into Crimes against Art (ARCA), the first international think tank on art crime. He divides his time between New Haven, Connecticut; Cambridge, England; and Rome, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 25, 2021
I’m actually surprised to be the first to rate and review this book. It’s been waiting on my Kindle for quite a while since grabbing it from Netgalley with a goal to further my fine arts self education. It’s by a renown author and art expert and professor, who specializes in art crime. It’s reasonable in length, accessible in style and even has art in it, albeit viewing some of the world’s greatest art on a small black and white screen is far from ideal.
I love art. Enjoying it in museums (one day, again) and reading about it (an anytime pleasure). I’ve not too long ago read a book about art frauds for which this author provided a preface. This book takes a different approach, specializing in famous scandals and rivalries, from the well known (legendary really in that respect) figures to the lesser known but nevertheless bitter feuds and salacious skeletons in closets. And, of course, all the great works these rivalries have inspired. Consider, Sistine Chapel…Raphael’s backfired trick on Michelangelo. That’s two Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles right there. In fact, this book makes an excellent case for why Raphael should have been the Donatello of the team, it’s a generational thing. That’s just one of the great many randomly awesome things you’ll learn from reading this book. It isn’t just about art, it’s about psychology and sociology. Things that explain why the two of the world’s wealthiest artists produce art in factory like environments. And graffiti wars. And collector’s markets.
Whether you’re interested in art for art’s sake or as a business investment or as a conversation subject, whether you’re passionate about the great masters’ lives or works or even if you just like a good scandal or many…there’s something in this book you’ll enjoy. I enjoyed all of it. It was very much like attending an engaging erudite and entertaining lecture for the sheer pleasure of self edification. Whatever madness coursed through artists’ veins, whatever wildness guided their lives and their brushes, the beauty they’ve given us is undeniable. And this book it for people who can’t resist a good behind the scenes story. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
I love art. Enjoying it in museums (one day, again) and reading about it (an anytime pleasure). I’ve not too long ago read a book about art frauds for which this author provided a preface. This book takes a different approach, specializing in famous scandals and rivalries, from the well known (legendary really in that respect) figures to the lesser known but nevertheless bitter feuds and salacious skeletons in closets. And, of course, all the great works these rivalries have inspired. Consider, Sistine Chapel…Raphael’s backfired trick on Michelangelo. That’s two Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles right there. In fact, this book makes an excellent case for why Raphael should have been the Donatello of the team, it’s a generational thing. That’s just one of the great many randomly awesome things you’ll learn from reading this book. It isn’t just about art, it’s about psychology and sociology. Things that explain why the two of the world’s wealthiest artists produce art in factory like environments. And graffiti wars. And collector’s markets.
Whether you’re interested in art for art’s sake or as a business investment or as a conversation subject, whether you’re passionate about the great masters’ lives or works or even if you just like a good scandal or many…there’s something in this book you’ll enjoy. I enjoyed all of it. It was very much like attending an engaging erudite and entertaining lecture for the sheer pleasure of self edification. Whatever madness coursed through artists’ veins, whatever wildness guided their lives and their brushes, the beauty they’ve given us is undeniable. And this book it for people who can’t resist a good behind the scenes story. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
August 28, 2025
an excellent romp through (mostly but not entirely Westen) art history’s greatest scandals and miscreants and the rise and purpose of shock art.
honestly pretty fast but that may be that i already have an art history background , very enjoyable, and easy enough for a history to pick up and put down. felt very conversational
honestly pretty fast but that may be that i already have an art history background , very enjoyable, and easy enough for a history to pick up and put down. felt very conversational
July 16, 2021
A Negative Art History
Dr. Noah Charney (1979) is an American art historian and novelist. His work has been translated into many different languages and has been nominated for several awards. Charney is a professor of art history specializing in art crime and the founder of the Association for Research into Crimes against Art. His novel The Art Thief is a mystery novel about a series of thefts in European museums and churches and his latest book The Devil in the Gallery will be published by Rowman & Littlefield in September 2021.
In The Devil in the Gallery, Charney goes in search of an answer to the question to what extent shock, scandal and rivalry have made the art world what it is today. Through many stories and case studies, from Caravaggio to Duchamp and from Picasso to Banksy, Charney examines shocking works of art, scandals in the art world and rivalry between artists and art institutions.
Charney shows that shock, scandal and rivalry often have a different effect in the art world than elsewhere. We have different expectations of artists than of politicians, which according to the author explains why scandals surrounding every other person have a negative effect on credibility and reputation, but that they not only have a positive effect on the reputation (and therefore value) of an artist, but often even contribute to the development and course of the entire history of art.
It remains an interesting and difficult balance between art and vandalism, between art and activism, between art and terrorism and everything in between. Charney concludes that scandal, shock and rivalry have ultimately been extremely beneficial to the development of art and the course of art history up to the present day.
The lines between scandal and shock are very thin, sometimes the distinction the author tries to make between the two is somewhat contrived or, as he puts it, purely academic in nature. This academic discussion and sometimes caution in formulation takes the momentum out of the often interesting and sometimes saucy anecdotes that Charney cites to substantiate his hypothesis.
The book covers the entire history of art in a thematic (and non-chronological) way. In the chapter on rivalry, the rivalry between artists themselves, as well as between patrons and later also galleries and auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's are discussed. But also the rivalry between art collectors and museums, between different countries where it concerns stolen art or between the artist and the regime in which he lives is covered.
The Devil in the Gallery is an accessible book about art, with beautiful images and a pleasant layout. The author repeats himself a few times, which makes the whole read a bit more difficult, but the book is worth it. It is going too far to call it an alternative art history, but it certainly offers the reader an alternative view of art and a different way of looking at the developments that have guided the art world.
Dr. Noah Charney (1979) is an American art historian and novelist. His work has been translated into many different languages and has been nominated for several awards. Charney is a professor of art history specializing in art crime and the founder of the Association for Research into Crimes against Art. His novel The Art Thief is a mystery novel about a series of thefts in European museums and churches and his latest book The Devil in the Gallery will be published by Rowman & Littlefield in September 2021.
In The Devil in the Gallery, Charney goes in search of an answer to the question to what extent shock, scandal and rivalry have made the art world what it is today. Through many stories and case studies, from Caravaggio to Duchamp and from Picasso to Banksy, Charney examines shocking works of art, scandals in the art world and rivalry between artists and art institutions.
“Art history without scandal, shock, and rivalry would have evolved far more slowly and less expansively. It would have come to the attention of a far narrower public. It would have been primarily decorative and constant, rarely if ever wild or edgy. Art would be a tamed beast. And so we have three negatives to thank for the positive, feral creature that is great art.”
Charney shows that shock, scandal and rivalry often have a different effect in the art world than elsewhere. We have different expectations of artists than of politicians, which according to the author explains why scandals surrounding every other person have a negative effect on credibility and reputation, but that they not only have a positive effect on the reputation (and therefore value) of an artist, but often even contribute to the development and course of the entire history of art.
It remains an interesting and difficult balance between art and vandalism, between art and activism, between art and terrorism and everything in between. Charney concludes that scandal, shock and rivalry have ultimately been extremely beneficial to the development of art and the course of art history up to the present day.
The lines between scandal and shock are very thin, sometimes the distinction the author tries to make between the two is somewhat contrived or, as he puts it, purely academic in nature. This academic discussion and sometimes caution in formulation takes the momentum out of the often interesting and sometimes saucy anecdotes that Charney cites to substantiate his hypothesis.
The book covers the entire history of art in a thematic (and non-chronological) way. In the chapter on rivalry, the rivalry between artists themselves, as well as between patrons and later also galleries and auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's are discussed. But also the rivalry between art collectors and museums, between different countries where it concerns stolen art or between the artist and the regime in which he lives is covered.
The Devil in the Gallery is an accessible book about art, with beautiful images and a pleasant layout. The author repeats himself a few times, which makes the whole read a bit more difficult, but the book is worth it. It is going too far to call it an alternative art history, but it certainly offers the reader an alternative view of art and a different way of looking at the developments that have guided the art world.
- Many thanks to the publisher for making an ARC available for this review through Edelweiss+
February 21, 2022
I would give this a 3.5. It was interesting with a good premise. He certainly proves his thesis with some examples of well known artists.
I liked reading the first half of the book more though and it took me way longer to read 160 pages than it should have. This read to me a little bit like a school paper instead of an engaging nonfiction book. Even the publishing of the book in larger format and not in an easy-to-hold format, lent itself to the feeling of a thesis report. Additionally, the images in the book were almost all from Wikimedia, which seems lazy and unprofessional to not ask the actual organizations that house the artworks for high quality images. There was also a duplicate image in there.
The examples in the book were mostly contemporary or European, even though art history is obviously way more expansive than that; and the author also makes sure the reader knows he was friends with certain artists - which seems very egocentric to me. He also includes a lot of quotes from JASA, who is not even a well known artist or art authority, but the quotes make it seem like this person is someone we should be listening to.
All in all, I liked the ideas this book presented but I thought it could have been done in a different and more engaging way.
I liked reading the first half of the book more though and it took me way longer to read 160 pages than it should have. This read to me a little bit like a school paper instead of an engaging nonfiction book. Even the publishing of the book in larger format and not in an easy-to-hold format, lent itself to the feeling of a thesis report. Additionally, the images in the book were almost all from Wikimedia, which seems lazy and unprofessional to not ask the actual organizations that house the artworks for high quality images. There was also a duplicate image in there.
The examples in the book were mostly contemporary or European, even though art history is obviously way more expansive than that; and the author also makes sure the reader knows he was friends with certain artists - which seems very egocentric to me. He also includes a lot of quotes from JASA, who is not even a well known artist or art authority, but the quotes make it seem like this person is someone we should be listening to.
All in all, I liked the ideas this book presented but I thought it could have been done in a different and more engaging way.
June 26, 2021
Performance art doesn’t do anything for me, say, but reading about it offered me a new perspective. Maybe there’s more to it than meets the eye? Maybe I’ll be able to appreciate Duchamp’s Fountain at some point? Who knows. The fact that Charney led me to analyze my tastes is a testimonial of a good writer.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
May 29, 2023
Prepare to be engulfed in a world where artistry meets treachery, and the battle for dominance unfolds on the canvas of the art world. Noah Charney's "Devil in the Gallery" is a shocking and riveting thriller that exposes the dark underbelly of the art industry, where ambition and deceit know no boundaries.
In this masterpiece of intrigue, Charney weaves a web of deception that leaves you questioning the authenticity of every stroke, the motives behind every brushstroke. As the story unfurls, the reader is thrust into a realm where talented artists become pawns in a game of power, where hidden agendas and cutthroat rivalries lurk behind the scenes of prestigious galleries and hallowed museums.
Enter the enigmatic protagonist, an art detective whose sharp eye and relentless pursuit of the truth unveils a conspiracy that shakes the very foundation of the art world. As layers of lies are peeled back, the shocking revelations leave you gasping, your belief in the sanctity of artistic expression shattered.
Charney's vivid and meticulous descriptions transport you into a realm where passion and obsession collide. From the vibrant hues of stolen masterpieces to the haunting beauty of long-lost treasures, each brushstroke and each stolen artifact drips with intrigue and temptation. Charley’s deep knowledge of the art world lends authenticity to every twist and turn, immersing the reader in a captivating and dangerous realm.
The characters in "Devil in the Gallery" are as complex and captivating as the paintings they covet. Their ambitions clash and ignite like the fiery colors of a sunset, each one vying for recognition and glory. Charney's skillful portrayal of the rivalry and cutthroat nature of the art world adds another layer of tension to an already gripping narrative, leaving you questioning who can be trusted and who is willing to sacrifice everything for their artistic desires.
But it's not just the plot that captivates; Charney's writing style itself is a work of art. The prose flows with the elegance of a master painter's brush, sweeping you along as you become entangled in a battle for artistic supremacy. His ability to blend historical facts with fiction creates a seamless tapestry that transports you across time and space, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
"Devil in the Gallery" is a shocking and addictive read, a tantalizing glimpse into a world where talent, greed, and rivalry collide. Noah Charney's deep understanding of the art world and his skillful storytelling create a mesmerizing experience that will leave you yearning for more. Brace yourself for a journey through shadows and betrayal, where the true nature of art is unveiled, and the battle for artistic dominance rages on.
In this masterpiece of intrigue, Charney weaves a web of deception that leaves you questioning the authenticity of every stroke, the motives behind every brushstroke. As the story unfurls, the reader is thrust into a realm where talented artists become pawns in a game of power, where hidden agendas and cutthroat rivalries lurk behind the scenes of prestigious galleries and hallowed museums.
Enter the enigmatic protagonist, an art detective whose sharp eye and relentless pursuit of the truth unveils a conspiracy that shakes the very foundation of the art world. As layers of lies are peeled back, the shocking revelations leave you gasping, your belief in the sanctity of artistic expression shattered.
Charney's vivid and meticulous descriptions transport you into a realm where passion and obsession collide. From the vibrant hues of stolen masterpieces to the haunting beauty of long-lost treasures, each brushstroke and each stolen artifact drips with intrigue and temptation. Charley’s deep knowledge of the art world lends authenticity to every twist and turn, immersing the reader in a captivating and dangerous realm.
The characters in "Devil in the Gallery" are as complex and captivating as the paintings they covet. Their ambitions clash and ignite like the fiery colors of a sunset, each one vying for recognition and glory. Charney's skillful portrayal of the rivalry and cutthroat nature of the art world adds another layer of tension to an already gripping narrative, leaving you questioning who can be trusted and who is willing to sacrifice everything for their artistic desires.
But it's not just the plot that captivates; Charney's writing style itself is a work of art. The prose flows with the elegance of a master painter's brush, sweeping you along as you become entangled in a battle for artistic supremacy. His ability to blend historical facts with fiction creates a seamless tapestry that transports you across time and space, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
"Devil in the Gallery" is a shocking and addictive read, a tantalizing glimpse into a world where talent, greed, and rivalry collide. Noah Charney's deep understanding of the art world and his skillful storytelling create a mesmerizing experience that will leave you yearning for more. Brace yourself for a journey through shadows and betrayal, where the true nature of art is unveiled, and the battle for artistic dominance rages on.
July 4, 2022
Noah Charney is a bit of a devil himself, a bad boy of the art history world. And I always enjoy his books! This one is no exception. A lively account of art world goings-on, some shocking, some nefarious, some almost silly - this book highlights in a readable and interesting way how scandalous and shocking behavior has benefited the art world has benefited through the ages. Charney is the art history professor I would have liked to have had; engaging, knowledgeable, and often funny, whether he is addressing history (as in this book) or art crime, he's always entertaining and I always learn something fascinating when I read him.
Read
August 4, 2021Scandals, rivalry, shocking behavior oh my! These are themes that, as a society, we tend to obsess over. We scan the tabloids in the check out line, follow celebrities online to watch every move they make and if two celebrities are at war with each other we eat it up even more. Are scandals and misbehavior ever a good move though? You may be surprised by the answer.
In The Devil in the Gallery, Charney goes in search of an answer to the question to what extent shock, scandal and rivalry have made the art world what it is today. Through incredibly well researched stories we find out that many of the worlds best artists through time have furthered their career and gained not only jobs but approval by critics and the masses alike. A great example of this is the intense rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo sometimes bordering on the petty side but without foul play there would be no Sistine Chapel. And that's only the beginning.
The Devil in the Gallery is an extremely accessible gem of an art history book with a twist. Personally I love Art and am a devoted supporter of the arts as a whole but art history is something I had not previously been able to spend too much time researching art history beneath the surface basics and this book was perfect for me! It was captivating, enthralling and beautiful. This book is sure to be groundbreaking and will appeal to the masses, no experience required!
Thank you to Netgalley, Noah Charney, and of course the publishers for making this book a reality and for providing an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest review. It was a true pleasure to dive in to this book and I can't wait to dive in again and again, exploring every path hinted at in this book.
In The Devil in the Gallery, Charney goes in search of an answer to the question to what extent shock, scandal and rivalry have made the art world what it is today. Through incredibly well researched stories we find out that many of the worlds best artists through time have furthered their career and gained not only jobs but approval by critics and the masses alike. A great example of this is the intense rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo sometimes bordering on the petty side but without foul play there would be no Sistine Chapel. And that's only the beginning.
The Devil in the Gallery is an extremely accessible gem of an art history book with a twist. Personally I love Art and am a devoted supporter of the arts as a whole but art history is something I had not previously been able to spend too much time researching art history beneath the surface basics and this book was perfect for me! It was captivating, enthralling and beautiful. This book is sure to be groundbreaking and will appeal to the masses, no experience required!
Thank you to Netgalley, Noah Charney, and of course the publishers for making this book a reality and for providing an advance e-copy in exchange for my honest review. It was a true pleasure to dive in to this book and I can't wait to dive in again and again, exploring every path hinted at in this book.
February 7, 2023
I was shocked that 99% of the artists discussed in this book are men.
There are plenty of women artists who could have been included from Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell to any women artists using menstrual blood in their paintings (since Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ was discussed in depth). The art world isn’t just filled with “bad boys”.
The only woman highlighted was Marina Abramovic and the author chose to focus on her relationship with Ulay (painting her in a less than ideal light). He also made SURE to let the reader know that Ulay was his personal friend and he was invited to the funeral 🙃
Overall, the book was an interesting and surface level explanation of controversy in the art world from Michelangelo to Maurizio Cattelan to auction house drama. The major piece missing for me was even an acknowledgment that this book was fully focused on MALE artists? At one point he did mention that women were missing from the renaissance masters (not true) because they were not allowed the same permissions as men at the time. However there are no restrictions for women artists from the past 300 years?
There are plenty of women artists who could have been included from Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell to any women artists using menstrual blood in their paintings (since Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ was discussed in depth). The art world isn’t just filled with “bad boys”.
The only woman highlighted was Marina Abramovic and the author chose to focus on her relationship with Ulay (painting her in a less than ideal light). He also made SURE to let the reader know that Ulay was his personal friend and he was invited to the funeral 🙃
Overall, the book was an interesting and surface level explanation of controversy in the art world from Michelangelo to Maurizio Cattelan to auction house drama. The major piece missing for me was even an acknowledgment that this book was fully focused on MALE artists? At one point he did mention that women were missing from the renaissance masters (not true) because they were not allowed the same permissions as men at the time. However there are no restrictions for women artists from the past 300 years?
August 15, 2021
About a 4.5 star. An interesting read with short, bite-size chunks of text on specific artists, their proclivities and the the specific affect or origin of a few of their works. It is informative and entertaining for its particular focus on the less discussed or less socially/politically-correct aspects of these artists and their works, drawing connections that one may not have considered when looking superficially at the pieces These non-linear connections on scandal, shock and rivalry are drawn from literature and resources of the time to reinforce points of perspective and historical opinion, an interesting sidebar to the more understood points of an artists life and challenges that succeeds in fleshing out one's own understanding of the nuances of art history. For those of you who are big on notes, they are extensive and would a allow a reader to follow a few rabbit holes, if they so choose.
I received this as a NetGalley eArc
#netgalley #Rowman& Littlefield
I received this as a NetGalley eArc
#netgalley #Rowman& Littlefield
July 24, 2023
Charney is knowledgeable, and the information is interesting. I don't always agree with his categorization of paintings as "shocking" versus "scandalous" and such (sometimes they are both), but it still is interesting to read his opinions.
However, Charney simply is not a good writer. I have felt that about the three of his books I have read. In this particular book, he interjects modern, casual, hip language into an otherwise more formal scholarly text, which comes across as pretentious and annoying. About one European painting, he gives the title in English, and then says "If you are into Latin, it is (Latin title)." About a painting depicting a couple having sex, he calls it "getting jiggy." There are many such interjections, which are grating like nails on a blackboard. I am hardly a prude about language, but these phrases and words just ring false and tone-deaf in an otherwise scholarly book.
However, Charney simply is not a good writer. I have felt that about the three of his books I have read. In this particular book, he interjects modern, casual, hip language into an otherwise more formal scholarly text, which comes across as pretentious and annoying. About one European painting, he gives the title in English, and then says "If you are into Latin, it is (Latin title)." About a painting depicting a couple having sex, he calls it "getting jiggy." There are many such interjections, which are grating like nails on a blackboard. I am hardly a prude about language, but these phrases and words just ring false and tone-deaf in an otherwise scholarly book.
January 9, 2022
I never dreamed:
"Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo notoriously disliked each other -- most acidly when Michelangelo aggressively dismissed Leonardo's arguments that painting was superior to Michelangelo's beloved sculpture."
--Martin Kemp in his Foreword to the book
The author (Charney) writes of many artist rivalries.
At least their paintings appear to get along together in museums!
"Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo notoriously disliked each other -- most acidly when Michelangelo aggressively dismissed Leonardo's arguments that painting was superior to Michelangelo's beloved sculpture."
--Martin Kemp in his Foreword to the book
The author (Charney) writes of many artist rivalries.
At least their paintings appear to get along together in museums!
September 19, 2022
This is a great introduction to the topic. It's a little disorganized (the chapters make sense but within each chapter the author jumps around a lot) and he focuses on mostly well known examples of scandal, shock, and rivalry in the art world, so I would love a sequel that branches out some. But I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fast read that covers the basics of this subject.
December 20, 2025
A fascinating, entertaining introduction to the fraught side of art history. I enjoyed the author's analysis and humor, although sometimes, he focuses too much on his personal experience or his relationships with some of the artists he mentions. After reading through the notes and bibliography, I realized he often cites his own work and interviews, which seems a bit egocentric. Still, there's no denying that he's passionate and knowledgable about art.
November 10, 2021
This is a very accessible book, particularly for those new to the art world -- and quite interesting as well! However, the chapter on those persons who claim to be artists and use bodily fluids and excretions as media was way too detailed for me, though! Art is difficult to define, but in seeking to shock and inflame, their denigration of art and its heritage puts them outside of its territory.
November 13, 2024
Skandāli, sāncensība un šokēšana parasti tiek uztverti negatīvi, un tomēr - mākslas pasaulē tie ir spēcīgs dzinulis, kas ir veicinājis daudzas labas lietas. Noah Charney ir mans šīgada atklājums, klausījos arī vienu viņa lekciju ciklu par zaudēto (nozagto, iznīcināto utt.) mākslu, un abas reizes viņš nepievīla - bija sasodīti aizraujoši un informatīvi.
November 26, 2021
Any book on art interests me. This one took a slant different from any I had read before. Just how much effect does scandal, shock and rivalry have on the art world, the artists and the viewers? These essays address that and provide visual images as well.
May 5, 2025
Fantastic!
Great overview of how shock and scandals have always part of the art world. Includes performance art and truly one of a kind installations, made of unmentionable materials. What I found most interesting was how art has evolved over time. More than fig leaves but they are there too.
Great overview of how shock and scandals have always part of the art world. Includes performance art and truly one of a kind installations, made of unmentionable materials. What I found most interesting was how art has evolved over time. More than fig leaves but they are there too.
October 19, 2021
Loved it!!
December 30, 2021
I thought this was an easy read that has some entertaining stories about the art world and explains a lot of concepts in an understandable readers who aren’t art history experts.
February 20, 2022
3.5 Interesting
April 14, 2022
Very insightful into the art world. It seemed somewhat repetitive or could have been laid out differently-overall a helpful book to gain insight into art history.
May 10, 2022
Excellent book!
Read
May 18, 2022DNF'd 28%
August 3, 2022
I always love what Noah Charney writes. A few sentiments in the book seemed a little repetitive as themes about scandal, rivalry, etc. were reinforced, but overall I enjoyed it!
January 19, 2023
Man, I work in the art world... so this made me not like the art world. Meaning, the book did its job. Interesting read!
January 25, 2023
a plus and must read for all lovers of art history! thoroughly enjoyable!!
January 1, 2024
Great way to learn more about famous artists. However sometimes I felt like I learned more than I really wanted to know, especially the more sordid bits.
January 27, 2026
Fun analysis of art history and the current art world. Deliciously gossipy and lavishly illustrated it opened a new of of art and artists.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews