Impressionism (Art & Ideas) - Softcover

Rubin, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714838268 ISBN 13: 9780714838267

Publisher: Phaidon, 1999

Synopsis

This study brings together the most recent research on Impressionism. The book looks at its philosophical, political and social context and focuses on the lesser-known Impressionists as well as the famous. Finally, the legacy of Impressionism and its appeal is explored.

About this title

Review:

"There is nothing like James Rubin's Impressionism... No other existing book covers all its aspects from so many diverse angles, in such a readable fashion... As a potential college course textbook, this one beats the rest."―Carol Armstrong, Department of Art History, Princeton University

"A superbly insightful book that provides an original and much needed synthesis of years of Impressionist scholarship."―Nina Kallmyer, Professor of Art History, University of Delaware

"A masterly sythesis of the new research surrounding the study of Impressionism. For all its conceptual sophistication, Rubin's book also provides numerous examples of precise and beautifully nuanced formal analyses of paintings. Highest recommendation."―Choice

On the Art & Ideas series

"Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing."―Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London

"The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods... I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools."―Joachim Pissarro, Yale University

"Phaidon's series may prove to be the pick of the crop. It boasts expert but undogmatic texts and a wealth of illustrations."―The Sunday Telegraph

Synopsis:

Celebrations of city streets; tranquil vistas of the countryside and seashore; enchanting images of the leisured classes in domestic interiors or at fashionable Parisian cafes - the work of the Impressionists gives pleasure to art lovers everywhere. But while Impressionism today may appear "natural" and effortless, contemporaries were shocked by the loose handling of paint and the practice of painting out-of-doors. In defiance of the conservative official Salon, the Impressionists - led by Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas - sought to capture the immediacy of experience. This comprehensive study brings together the most recent research on Impressionism. James Rubin makes accessible its philosophical, political and social context, from Baudelaire's conception to the painter of modern life, to the influences of photography, the burgeoning art market, and contemporary notions of gender and race. As well as the acknowledged masters, our attention is drawn to lesser-known Impressionists such as Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassat and Gustave Caillebotte. Rubin also examines the work of Paul Cezanne and his relationship to the group.

Finally, the book explores the legacy of Impressionism and its enduring appeal.

About this edition

• Publisher: Phaidon
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0714838268
• ISBN 13: 9780714838267
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 450