Being Bernard Berenson

by Meryle Secrest

Hardcover Book

Genres: Biography, Art, Nonfiction, History

473 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Meryle Secrest was born and educated in Bath, England, and lives in Washington, DC. She is the author of twelve biographies and was awarded the 2006 Presidential National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernard Berenson, one of the preeminent art connoisseurs of the 20th century, is known for his ability to identify masterpieces, as well as his helping people (Isabella Stewart Gardner, J. P. Morgan) add to their collections. This biography recounts his rise from a shtetl in what is now Poland to his preeminent position. It does not shy away from his somewhat dubious relationships or business dealings. A fascinating look at him and at the time when art was "affordable."

[Olivia]

difficult to "rate" as the central figure was presented so objectively that i really could not stand him. but it was also an extremely dry read!! my god, the lists of sales within chapters, when there is an appendix. my main enjoyment of this was the literary gossip. vernon lee, edith wharton, rosamund lehman.