Art Since 1940

by Jonathan Fineberg

This comprehensive and authoritative book illustrates art from the 1940's and stresses the individuality of the artists in relation to their political, social, and cultural contexts. The book focuses on the meaning of the major works and innovations. It features nearly 600 illustrations (approximately half in color) representing art since 1940, both in Europe and America. It explores the full range of periods, artists, and New York in the Forties; Calder, Hofmann, Gorky, Motherwell, De Kooning; Existentialism (Pollock, Newman, Rothko, David Smith); The New European Masters of the Late Forties (Dubuffet, Giacometti, Bacon), plus so much more. For anyone interested in Postwar Art.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction, History, Reference, Textbooks, School

560 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1991

About the author

Jonathan David Fineberg

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I finished this AGES ago, but let me just say: I've referenced and re-referenced this throughout my art history career (of four semesters)! The essays may be dense, but after reading and re-reading, Fineberg's summary of the last 70 years of art history is a great reference tome for the budding contemporary art historian. A+, would love again.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider this to be the "Bible" of modern art history books, especially as it focuses on the thoughts & theories behind the 20th century New York abstractionist movement. I reference it often, I recommend it highly! BTW, I just read an art review (January 25, 2008) in the NY Times by Ken Johnson where he uses the following 4-fold definition for good art, "it is formally eyecatching, inventively made, unpredictably imaginative and passionately driven." Hmmm, very interesting . . . I wonder what Clement Greenberg would have thought?

[Carrie Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid foundation for understanding contemporary art theory.

[Anleigh Breedon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book for my art history class in college. This has been one of my favorite textbooks to read as it goes into incredible depth and is easy to follow without confusion like most textbooks. I still keep it on my shelf for reference!

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super useful reference. Use it all the time for research and understanding of different periods in the art world.

[Sophie Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic introductory text to contemporary art history. Broad coverage of both established artists (Richard Sera, Christo and Jean-Claude, deKooning) but also of lesser known pockets and art communities (Bay Area figuration).

Enjoyable as far as introductory texts go!

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine book on 20th century art. From Calder to Christo, from pop art to minimalists.
Why is it that.....
"Less than 5% of the artists in the modern art sections are women, but 85% of the nudes are female"

[JabJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively, readable, and very comprehensive. It took me awhile to figure out this is likely used as a textbook, just because it is so engaging. Lots of good colour photos, too. Great reference book. Can be read through, or in bits & pieces as each artist/movement is dealt with individually.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good survey book of Post-Modern Art.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite textbooks ever. A challenging read but full of insights and explanation.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

borrrrring. i'm reading for a class i'm taking. there must be a better book on contemporary art history!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art Since 1940 (Trade Version)

[Becca Marie Kocsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art history books can very easily become unbearable and thus unreadable. This one is not.