The Primacy of Drawing: Histories and Theories of Practice

by Deanna Petherbridge

In this important and original book, Deanna Petherbridge—herself a practicing artist—affirms the significance of drawing as visual thinking in western art from the 15th century to the present. Scrutinizing a wide range of drawings, Petherbridge confirms a long historical commitment to the primal importance of sketching in generating ideas and problem solving, examines the production of autonomous drawings as gifts or for pleasure, and traces the importance of the life-class and theories of drawing in the training of artists until well into the 20th century. She also addresses the changing role of drawing in relation to contemporary practice and its importance for conceptual artists working in a nonhierarchical manner with a multiplicity of practices, techniques and technologies.
 
In addition to analyzing specific works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso, and other great draftsmen, Petherbridge pays close attention to those artists traditionally regarded as “minor” because of their graphic elaboration or involvement with caricature and play, as well as to the important contribution of women artists in the 20th and 21st centuries. Responding to the vibrant rediscovery of drawing as significant practice in studios, exhibitions, and art schools, Petherbridge proposes an ambitious and novel agenda for the study and enjoyment of drawing.

Genres: Art, Drawing

520 pages, Hardcover

First published July 13, 2010

Reviews

[Supineny]

Well, I was seduced by this book at the bookstore -- the reproductions are great, the selections are interesting and certainly there are a lot of amazing drawings.

It's intriguing and frustrating by turns. One senses the author grappling with the issues surrounding 'drawing' in a thorough and serious way, and I'm interested in the issues she raises. Her chapter, towards the end, about the aesthetics of unskilled drawing was insightful and quite helpful, even if I don't share her attitudes.

On the other hand, the prose style is academic. My ongoing beef with academic writing is that often fails to be concise and clear. That is lacks charm is, I suppose, the mark of being Serious, so I will put that criticism aside for the moment. But let's note that the artwork reproduced here has charm galore, but the text is a bit of a chore.

[Howard Cincotta · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one who fitfully tries to sketch in the shadow of my watercolor wife, this volume has an array of drawing and artwork, from Michaelangelo to David Hockney, that is a joy to page through. (Despite its size, the book covers only Western art.)

Be warned: The text is heavily academic, to the point of being almost impenetrable, and the book itself must weight six or seven pounds. Try and copy one of its masterworks, a drawing by Albrecht Durer, say, and prepare to be humbled.

[Marla Fasano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing book. Very refreshing to read a lengthy book that puts emphasis on historical importance of drawing as well as its place in our modern society. As an artist who loves drawing but was always told in art school that I "painted like I drew" as if it were a bad thing, this book has reinforced for me that drawing is a powerful medium in and of itself.

[Chris Pelzer]

I thought this was wonderful, but definitely not for everyone. About the history of drawing, viewing drawing as an open-ended art form. It has changed over the centuries, and continues to change now. Many interesting illustrations.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delicious. Will be reading this for a long time.