NINETEENTH CENTURY ART

by Ariane Ruskin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 14, 1969

From David to Monet (and beyond) in terms of the successive movements that transformed nineteenth century painting, sculpture and architecture: a cogent introduction for students and spectators of all ages. The initial juxtaposition of a characteristic work of neoclassicism and impressionism arrests attention, then Miss Ruskin (Pantheon Story of Art for Young People) examines the role of each significant artist, disclosing much about the man and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of individual works--every one of which is illustrated in (good) color close by. It is an exceptionally knowing presentation, featuring indicative examples regardless of their celebrity, pinpointing links to literature, culling quotes from a variety of sources; and although it devotes proportionately little space to architecture, what is projected is precisely relevant. So are the remarks on the separate artists--Canova's ""rarefied smoothness,"" Beardsley's ""flabby nastiness."" Miss Ruskin has achieved concision without emasculation, vividness without exaggeration: it is an estimable book in all respects.

Pub Date: Feb. 14, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1969

Categories: NONFICTION