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This richly illustrated book brings together 14 essays by such luminaries as former Metropolitan Museum of Art director Thomas Hoving and art historian Robert Rosenblum, and finally and firmly anchors Rockwell's reputation in the art-historical world. The catalog of an exhibition at Atlanta's High Museum of Art, the book's 133 color reproductions are marvelously large, clear, and true in color and offer what is probably the best introduction to Rockwell for anyone who takes his illustration seriously--or anyone who doesn't, yet. Indispensable though it may be, however, Pictures for the American People may slightly irritate lifelong Rockwell fans, especially those who grew up with the Saturday Evening Post and fell for Rockwell at a time when his nonpareil illustrations were mocked by the moderns. And experienced Rockwell lovers probably have on their shelves the huge 1970 work by Thomas S. Buechner, then director of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Norman Rockwell: Artist and Illustrator, which was the first comprehensive look at this uniquely American master.

Ah, well. It's about time the art world came to its senses and began to appreciate the genius and the subtlety of a painter who looked to both Chardin and N.C. Wyeth as masters. Rockwell's great works are here: Rosie the Riveter, The Four Freedoms, After the Prom, Breaking Home Ties, The Gossips, and scores of others that celebrate (and poke the gentlest of fun at) small-town, family life. There were other illustrators of Rockwell's ilk during the '40s and '50s, his most popular decades, but as Steven Heller writes in "Rebelling Against Rockwell," "Rockwell ran one step ahead of cliché, while his acolytes lagged a mile behind." --Peggy Moorman ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Is He a "Serious" Artist or "Just and Illustrator"?
Anyone who has wondered (even remotely) about Norman Rockwell's place in the World of Art will enjoy this book. In addition to 80 beautiful color reproductions of Rockwell's paintings, there are 14 essays about the artist and his work. The authors of these essays acknowledge that Rockwell was an anachronism and, to most people in the Art World, an object of derision. But each essay argues in favor of Rockwell's importance by focusing on one or more of his unique talents.

In "the Great Art Communicator", Thomas Hoving makes a very convincing case for Rockwell as an influential American artist. Rockwell's son Peter's essay entitled "Some Comments from the Boy in the Dining Car" (referring to the painting for which he was used as the model when he was a boy) offers invaluable insights into what the artist himself thought about his work. There is also an essay by Anne Knutson that tells the fascinating story of the Saturday Evening Post, its importance in the definition of "Americanism" and how Rockwell's relationship with the editor influenced his work.

The debate about Norman Rockwell's place in the history of art will undoubtedly continue. But as Laurie Norton Moffatt sums up in her essay "The People's Painter": "The personal transformation and communication that occurs when one looks at a work of art is the artist's defining moment. Rockwell was a master of delivering that moment to his public."

great book
In a world that is completely inundated with so many Norman Rockwell books, I thought that i would never buy another one. I'm an artist and fan of Rockwell's but quite frankly there are so many other great illustrators out there, at times i wish that fewer books were written about Rockwell and more attention was given to other less known American artists like James Montgomery Flagg, F.R. Gruger, J.C. Leyendecker, Howard Pyle and Harvey Dunn, among many others. Then this book came along. I told myself I didn't want to buy it, I already have four books on Rockwell, I certainly don't need another. Then I opened the book and saw that the quality of the prints in this book are outstanding (the best I've seen) and the text is really informative. Now I'm telling myself THIS will be the last book I buy on Rockwell. This book will give you a new appreciation for Rockwell's skill as a painter and a colorist. After seeing these painting in person for the show that this book was written for, I can say that this book does justice to Rockwell's amazing talent.

Norman Rockwell is an unappreciated artist.
This book is comprised of articles about Norman Rockwell and his career as an illustrator with the Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell remains a controversial figure in the art world. Although his illustrations were enjoyed by millions of Americans, they were dismissed by art critics and academia as amateurish.

Rockwell portrayed Americans in their daily, mundane activities. He believed that there is beauty in the ordinary. He depicted for example, a couple obtaining a marriage license, a family going and returning from a vacation, and a barbershop quartet.

Rockwell's illustrations did intersect with the world of politics. Because the Saturday Evening Post had a large circulation, he was able to influence public opinion. He designed several covers during World War II, including Rosie the Riveter and the Four Freedoms, to honor the contributions of civilians and to remind Americans of the reason for the war.

Rockwell did not shy from controversy. As America became engulfed in the Civil Rights Movement, Rockwell depicted the ongoing legacy of racial tension. His most famous illustration in the area of civil rights is The Problem We All Live With, which depicts the traumatic effects of desegregation on whites and blacks.

In summary, Norman Rockwell must be include as a figure in American art. Although his works were harshly criticized by those in the art world, they were admired by the general public. Today, scholars have begun to acknowledge Rockwell as being an important artist.

"Rockwell" The Essence of Art!
I received Pictures for the American People as a Christmas gift and was delighted at the exquisite art as the pages unfolded. I collect all sorts of Rockwell works and this is truly the best I've seen. It explores not only the paintings, but what is behind them, the man himself. I felt as though I was being introduced to Mr. Rockwell through this masterpiece. It is a MUST BUY book! Even if you have never experienced one of his books or paintings, you will want to open this book again and again. The images are displayed in such detail and the stories behind them tell so much. You will be captured by the different aspects of art once you have seen what is inside. I will not spoil all this book has to offer, so if you haven't already purchased a copy, do so....or put it on your Wish List. You'll be happy that you did! ... Read more

Book Description

Artists don't achieve financial success and criticalacclaim duringtheir lifetimes as a result of chance or luck. Michael FitzGerald'sassiduouslyresearched book documents Picasso's courting of dealers, critics,collectors,and curators as he established his reputation during the first fortyyears ofthe twentieth century. FitzGerald describes the care, patience, andresourcefulness invested by Paul Rosenberg, Picasso's dealer and closecollaborator from 1918 to 1940, in building the financial value andpublicacceptance of Picasso's art. The book is based on and quotes generouslyfrompreviously unpublished correspondence between Picasso and dealers,collectors,and museum curators. ... Read more

Book Description

Very few songs have taken hold of our hearts and imaginations the way "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz has. These lyrics, so evocative of light and color, have found their perfect match in the paintings of Maxfield Parrish.His works seem to reflect of the words on each page, and the result is a feeling of warmth, exuberance, and limitless possibilities. ... Read more

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Over the Rainbow: a beautiful book
The timeless lyrics to "Over the Rainbow" are brought to life in this dreamily illustrated book. Each picture is done in soft, muted colors...the overall effect is dreamy. This book would make an excellent present for anyone, young or old. ... Read more

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Having the lovely and intimate volume Gerhard Richter: 100 Pictures in your hands is like being transported to the renowned painter's exhibition at the Carré d'Art in Nîmes. The beautifully produced book presents paintings from 1995 to 1996, an incredibly prolific time for Richter. The luscious images range from colorful abstractions with scraped and textured paint to his signature realist paintings based on photographs. A charming essay by Guy Tosatto offers a poetic explanation of Richter's work. The telling of a conversation between a mother and her whip-smart son mimics the series of mother and child paintings. Tosatto's characters discuss the nature of painting and illusion, while the portraits of Richter's wife and young child emerge in various degrees of clarity. The domestic theme continues with a number of flower paintings, including two almost identical paintings of yellow tulips, one blurry and one almost in focus, and a portrait of soft pink flowers with broken stems. --J.P. Cohen ... Read more

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100 color photos, concentrating on works of 1995-96
this is a summary of richter's recent oil paintings, with two critical essays. Although a few pre '90s paintings are shown (e.g. zwie grau, schaedel, some abstractes bild), most of the book covers the abstracted bilds and photo-paintings of 95-96. The 'realistic' works include several landscapes, lesende, works with flowers and the most excellent S. mit kind series. Also a rare self-portrait (836-10, 1996). Essays are 'the woman the child and the painting' by guy tosatto, and 'there is no there. gerhard richter at the carre d'Art in Nimes,' by Birgit Pelzer. printing is nice. we read that the artist was involved in the production of this very good buy. ... Read more

Book Description

A major work by the most important Italian art historian of this century. ... Read more

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STILL THE BEST BOOK ON PIERO
This remains the best book on Piero della Francesca, one of the world's greatest artists. It has influenced many books but still has no equal--after almost 80 years! Great it is back in print. ... Read more

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general information
i would like to know a general information : the weight of the product that we select is charged on the shiping rates? Cause i leave in POrtugal so i need to know if the rates that you have are for all the weight or not. I would like to get Century By Bruce Bernard which is very heavy. Can you give me this information? my e-mail adress Zemarcelino@hotmail.com THank you for your kind attention. ... Read more

Book Description

Picasso’s granddaughter introduces readers to a sublime selection of the artist’s erotic masterpieces, brought together in this lush and elegant volume.

Pablo Picasso lived life as he painted it—with sensual energy and abandon. Nearly every woman whom he loved has been immortalized in his work, from the playful nudes of his early years to the classical representations twenties and the more frankly sexual paintings that crowned his career. With mesmerizing color and an appealing design, this chronologically arranged volume follows Picasso’s artistic development as expressed in more than ninety erotically charged works. Exquisitely reproduced paintings and etchings such as Salomé Dancing Nude in Front of Herod, Demoiselles d’Avignon, and the famous Pisseuse are displayed alongside fragments from Picasso’s love letters and his revealing observations about the role of sensuality in his life. Diana Widmaier Picasso comments on her grandfather’s amorous adventures, offering intimate revelations and insights that transform this beautiful book into a personal reflection of one man’s consuming passion. ... Read more

Book Description

All of Raphael's most important paintings as well as a significant number of his drawings and engravings are reproduced, principally in color, in this splendid new tribute to one of the most admired artists of the Italian Renaissance.

In this lavishly illustrated book featuring some 300 illustrations, the author takes a fresh, critical look at the life and work of Rafaello Sanzio, or, as he signed certain paintings, Raphael Urbinas--in homage to his native city of Urbino. Described as "an artist touched by grace," Raphael is considered along with Michelangelo and Leonardo to be one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance.

Raphael (1483-1520), whose birth and death were on a Good Friday, belonged to a family of merchants; aside from his training in the studio of Perugino, little is known about his earliest years. He arrived in Florence in 1504, where he studied the masters: Masaccio, Ghirlandaio, Leonardo and produced magnificent paintings of the Madonna as well as remarkable portraits; in 1508 he went to Rome, where he died a dozen years later at the height of his powers, after creating monumental works at the Vatican. At thirty years of age, he was, in the eyes of his contemporaries, a living legend. In his Lives of the Artists, Vasari wrote: " While we may term other works paintings, those of Raphael are living things, the flesh palpitates, the breath comes and goes, every organ lives, life pulsates everywhere."

In a fascinating text De Vecchi reexamines each of the major periods of Raphael's short career dispelling the myths about him that have accumulated over the centuries. He reminds us that the most "profound" element of Raphael's art was his striving to express in his work the dialectic between earthly and heavenly love, which was an important concern of his contemporaries The coverage of the text extends beyond the paintings to Raphael's significant work as an architect and designer of interiors. The reference material in the Appendix includes a chronology and a bibliography.

Other details: Approximately 300 full-color illustrations ... Read more

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For Art Lovers
Let me first mention that I am reviewing the 1994 edition, 128 pages, which is a slightly abridged edition of an earlier 1973 edition. It has 100 illustrations, 40 full-colour plates. I have perused the 1973 edition and found the text to be exactly the same. There are just fewer illustrations and colour plates. That seems to be the only difference.
My one complaint about the book is that there really is no personal information on Raphael; it basically concerns just his painting. How much he produced in his short span of 37 years! Never married, his work is his legacy. An art class I once took focused some time on his "School of Athens" fresco in the Vatican. He painted a surprising mixture of classical, religious, and secular themes. Among the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, along with Da Vinci and Michelangelo, both of whom were older. I highly recommend this book for any lover of the Arts. And especially if you have been to Rome and the Vatican. Or, if you are planning such a trip. ... Read more

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Great literature
Dario Fo is an amazing artist! he left a legacy, including this wonderfully translated book and his many plays ... Read more

Book Description

One of the most significant artists of his generation, Sigmar Polke came of age creatively around 1963 in Düsseldorf. His earliest expressive idiom was crude and humorous, its images outrageous, and its content seemingly trivial, but embedded in these works were subversive and parodic commentaries on consumer society, German postwar politics, and classic artistic conventions. Few of Polke's works demonstrate more vividly his imagination, sardonic wit, and eclectic creative process than the drawings, watercolors, and gouaches of the 1960s and early 70s. More than 300 works are illustrated, including small sketches in ballpoint and felt-tipped pen, larger sheets in watercolor and gouache, and still others stamped with a dot screen process, as well as pages from over a dozen small sketchbooks and several monumental works on paper. This books was published to accopany the first American exhibiton of these drawings shown at The Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1999.

Edited by Margit Rowell.
Essays by Bice Curiger, Michael Semff and Margit Rowell. ... Read more

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a real beauty
Sigmar Polke: Works on Paper 1963-1974 is a real beauty. A wonderfull cover and beautifully divided sections make this book fun to observe. The work within the book is strange and curious. A book which hard to abandon the viewer's eye, is this. ... Read more

Book Description

One of America’s most important artists, Robert Rauschenberg consistently fuses painting, found art, photography and printing in his works.Now available in paperback, this stunning book brings together sixty of Rauschenberg’s most exciting posters.

Arranged thematically and chronologically, the posters display the full range of Rauschenberg’s stylistic development from the 1960s to the 1990s.Since 1963 the artist has been designing posters to advertise his own exhibitions, music and dance performances, and to address sociopolitical issues.This breathtaking volume features full page, color reproductions that allow the viewer to truly appreciate the complexity, ambiguity, and incredible scope of Rauschenberg’s oeuvre. ... Read more

Book Description

"I paint what cannot be photographed, I photograph the things I don't want to paint....I would photograph an idea rather than an object, and a dream rather than an idea." Man Ray's own words suggest the essence of his brilliant, original, and deeply influential photographic oeuvre. Taking up photography in 1915 for the purpose of reproducing his paintings, he earned money doing the same thing for others when he went to live and work in Paris in 1921. This led to one of the most versatile careers in the history of photography, ranging from portraits of celebrated artists, musicians, and writers such as André Breton, Marcel Duchamp, Erik Satie, Arnold Schönberg, T. S. Eliot, and Gertrude Stein, to the pictures using light effects outside the camera for which he is famous (cliché-verres, rayographs, and solarizations). These photographs are among the most exciting and revealing manifestations of the profusely fertile artistic impulse that made Man Ray equally celebrated as a painter, sculptor, writer, and filmmaker. Besides many classic images, the book includes a number of photographs that had never been seen before, including portraits of Virginia Woolf and of Antonin Artaud and a large selection of erotic pictures. They add up to a truly revealing look at Man Ray, Jean Cocteau's "great poet of the darkroom." 347 duotone photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

In the decade preceding his untimely death, Frederic Remington (1861-1909) produced a series of paintings that took as their subject the color of night. This richly illustrated volume is the first to present all of these works--some seventy paintings that secured for Remington the critical acclaim he so coveted. Indeed, these magnificent nocturnes marked an important new direction for the celebrated illustrator, writer, and sculptor of America's vanishing frontier.

In these deeply personal works, Remington explored the technical and aesthetic difficulties of painting darkness. Surprisingly, his images are filled with color and light--moonlight, firelight, candlelight. Focused on the subject the artist had made his own--the American West--these paintings reflect Remington's dramatic reworking of the narrative tradition as well as the spare modernism of his late work.

Frederic Remington: The Color of Night, accompanying the first exhibition devoted to the nocturnes, includes three insightful essays discussing Remington's nocturnes within the literary, historical, aesthetic, and technological context of his time. The nocturnes do much more than document a night that was rapidly disappearing under bright, newly installed electric lights. They also reveal how this son of a Civil War hero moved from burnishing Theodore Roosevelt's rough riding heroics in Cuba to exploring, like Stephen Crane and Ernest Hemingway, his own soul-searing war experience, and, like Joseph Conrad, to probing America's own heart of darkness.

As the definitive resource on Remington's nocturnes, this volume pairs large reproductions of these stunning paintings--including newly conserved works and others not seen publicly since the artist's death--with commentary from his personal diaries and letters and from contemporary critics.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

National Gallery of Art, Washington
April 13 - July 13, 2003

The Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, Oklahoma
August 10 - November 9, 2003

Denver Art Museum
December 13, 2003 - March 14, 2004
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Complete and detailed
This book is divided in parts.
In the first part you will find the biography of Remington and all his artwork
In the second, there are all the "The color of the night" paintings in big size with the description of each one.
As a bonus, there is a brief study of the technique that used Remington to paint these great paintings.
Great book about a great artist. ... Read more