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A Pot of Paint: Aesthetics on Trial in Whistler v. Ruskin
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July 1, 2023
As far as art historical texts go, this book goes crazy. Fascinating subject matter, skillful and clear prose, impressive compilation of what seems like a whole lot of research work. To me this is one of the more poetic, can't-make-it-up spectacles in Western art history-- Whistler v. Ruskin. It feels like watching your favorite boxer, old and washed up, going one more fight than he should have, except they're both your favorite boxer. The whole thing is as sad to watch as it is interesting, and nobody is happy with that outcome. Linda Merrill has a really thoughtful play by play analysis, with big conclusions that really help me to understand Victorian art and how Whistler threatened to overturn it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review