Albert Moore - Hardcover

Asleson, Dr Robyn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0714838462 ISBN 13: 9780714838465

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 2000

Synopsis

Albert Moore (1841-93) was one of the most remarkable artists of the nineteenth century. In a single-minded quest for ideal beauty, he created many of the celebrated icons of the Victorian era, yet the progressive ideas that underpinned his life and art have remained cloaked in shadow. Robyn Asleson's monograph - the first to be published on the artist for over 100 years - seeks to restore the artist to his rightful place in art history, while also fleshing out his hitherto mysterious personality and lifestyle.

Surveying the whole of Moore's career and drawing on unpublished materials, Robyn Asleson throws a flood of new light on the artist and his work. She presents new evidence to debunk the myth of his hermit-like existence, re-examines his notorious exclusion from Royal Academy membership, and documents his close relationship with Whistler, demonstrating that Moore's influence on his older and more famous friend was far greater than has hitherto been assumed. Moore emerges as the most radical exponent of English Aestheticism, a passionate and audacious crusader for abstract beauty who anticipated the aesthetic concerns of twentieth-century Modernism.

About this title

Review:

' ... beautifully produced ... '
Christie's Book Catalogue

'Asleson's book gives Moore his rightful place as an artist whose artistic goals in formal terms were far ahead of his time. ... Asleson has uncovered great deal of interesting early biographical material and in the first chapter she has skilfully interwoven the artistic careers of several of Moore's talented brothers ... Writing in a clear unfussy style, the author has used a formidable amount of interesting new research to endorse her arguments. Copiously illustrated and very well produced, the book should appeal to scholars of Victorian art and others who can appreciate Moore's fascinating work and relentless pursuit of aesthetic perfection.'
The Art Book

'... it was Albert Moore who, more than any other artist of his generation created 'art for art's sake'. ... a lucidly written and handsomely illustrated book. ... by setting his career within a vivid portrayal of the Victorian art world, she adds depth to a life too often seen in single dimension. Yet this wealth of contextual information never obscures the real issue of Moore's art - the realisation of a world of serene beauty - in which, as Asleson observes, 'words are unnecessary'.'
Art Quarterly

'debunks the myth of his hermit-like existence, documents his close relationship with Whistler, and Phaidon has done its usual exemplary job of reproducing his work.'
Hampstead and Highgate Express

'In this handsome volume, which would have given Moore himself much pleasure, both for its admirable design and the fidelity of its colour reproductions, Dr Robyn Asleson assembles virtually everything that is known about this reclusive, elusive figure, who seems to have left very little documentation.'
Apollo

'This book demonstrates that there is more to Moore than has previously been allowed.'
The Art Newspaper

Synopsis:

Albert Moore (1841-93) was one of the most important late-Victorian artists. He employed the female figure to embody abstract systems of ideal beauty, and created many defining images of the Aesthetic Movement. This book presents a view of the artist's allegedly reclusive personality, and seeks to establish him as a major figure and a significant precursor of Modernism.

About this edition

• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0714838462
• ISBN 13: 9780714838465
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240