5 comments about John Singer Sargent: The Male Nudes.

1. A very nice collection of an often over looked body of Mr. Sargent's work along with an appropriate amount of written background on the subjects and paintings themselves.



2. Following the foreword are two very brief essays which discuss Sargent's background and his work. A sensitive and intelligent appraisal of the artist and his approach to the studies under consideration here, one that especially in the light of the context does not skirt around the inclinations of the artist's heart, and addresses the possibility of a relationship with his loyal and devoted lithe young Italian valet and occasional model who resided in the Sargent household for twenty six years.
   
   The work presented here is superb; sensitive yet dynamic drawings and paintings; the text makes an interesting observation to the observer's response to them, but however one views them one cannot deny their beauty. One of the first illustrated is an oil painting of a young boy lying on the beach, and the pose immediately brings to mind similar subject matter painted by Joaquin Sorolla, produced some twenty or so years after Sargent's effort.
   
   The plates run from page twelve to page seventy eight, and include sketches, charcoal drawings, watercolours and oils, of which eighteen are in full colour, occasionally accompanied by a few relevant notes. The book concludes with a chronology and selected bibliography.
   
   This is a delightful book, slim and not over large; the work contained within is unrestrained, evocative, seemingly effortless; unquestionably the work of a great master.



3. Good heavens, this type of art may have been considered "risque" or bold or even vulgar at the time of its creation, but I was just bored. The male figure, in various poses, without clothing. *yawns*



4. This short book by John Esten is a well-illustrated look at one subject area in John Singer Sargent's works that is not often examined in an focused or isolated manner. This missing scholarship probably has its roots in the historic squeamishness attached to too hard a look at the male anatomy in print. So bravos to the author for taking this on and doing a fine job of it. Among other things, this is a useful collection for anyone who is trying his own hand at figure drawing--Sargent is a master to be studied seriously. Beyond that, the paintings and drawings illustrated are a joy to behold. The text of the book is rather brief, but adequate in providing some speculative background into the painter's work with and interest in the male figure. Overall, this is a fine and valuable book for anyone interested in Sargent or, more generally, in figure painting.



5. It's hard to believe there was a time when the images in this book would have been considered pornographic. But if Singer's portrait of Madame Pierre Gautreau ("Madame X") was considered scandalous because he painted her with a dropped shoulder strap (later repainted in its proper position), then you can understand why these male nudes (mostly charcoal sketches and quick watercolors, but also some finished oil paintings) were kept unexhibited for so long. We have Sargent's sisters to thank that they were not destroyed outright, but carefully placed with museums for safekeeping.

   If text is the clothing of art books, then Donna Hassler has provided THE MALE NUDES with less than a loin cloth. But there's not much that needs to be said, anyway. The plates should be enjoyed in their own right. I especially enjoyed the charcoal drawings. They are contextless and their strong outlines give them extra punch and a sense of iconic completeness. Though well rounded and subtly shaded, they remind me somehow of Jean Cocteau's spirited line drawings. The watercolors reminded me of Winslow Homer's. All in all, a nice little book.

No comments about Reinventing the Museum, Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift.

1 comments about Follies of Europe: Architectural Extravaganzas.

1. 
   A trip around the world not on your calendar? No worries. With a copy of this abundantly pictured (400 color illustrations) volume you can visit some of the most spectacular, most extravagant buildings to be found. Nic Barlow's glorious photographs give you better than a bird's eye view with details and close-ups never seen through a tour bus window.
   
   Yes, the structures included in this volume are spectacular and extravagant, yet they are unique in another way as Tim Cox notes in his eloquent introduction, These follies are ..."raised for the amusement or diversion - and occasionally for the residence - of inspired patrons and artists throughout Europe......Created by popes and plutocrats, princes and postmen, these buildings stand today as mute testimony to their patrons' taste and discrimination, their passions and peculiarities."
   
   That they certainly do, but what is perhaps almost equally fascinating are the stories that these buildings tell. There is the Rushton Triangular Lodge built in 1593 by an Edwardian gentleman, Thomas Tresham, who converted to Catholicism in 1580. Constructed on the basis of an equilateral triangle, it represents the Holy Trinity with an angelic host under the roof , and the upper story at 33 feet wide represents the age at which Jesus Christ was crucified.
   
   Quite a different sight is found with the Villa Torrigiani in Italy which was transformed from a Tuscan villa to the very latest Baroque style, highly ornamented, boosting a parade of statues in the niches of its facade.
   
   Who will not be amazed and amused by what is thought to be the most outre building Scotland? Dunmore House is home to a pavilion topped by a 37 foot high stone pineapple.
   
   And so it goes with each of the 256 pages revealing one more wonder and another intriguing story.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   - Gail Cooke

No comments about One Hundred Details from the National Gallery.

4 comments about Plane Image: A Brice Marden Retrospective.

1. It is a bit difficult to review a good artbook when you do not like the artist it is centered upon. As an artbook, this catalogue for the recent retrospective at the MOMA is a model, with magnificent illustrations and a comprehensive study of Brice Marden's career, as well as a very clear checklist of the works in the exhibition. Now my opinion on Brice Marden is that he is basically a decorative abstract artist (especially in his late works), overrated by the art market, and that he does not compare to giants of the likes of Robert Ryman or Agnes Martin who really transcend the tradition of abstract painting, taking it to new heights.



2. When I saw his paintings at the SF Moma I was blown away. Especially his Cold Mountain work. I think Brice Marden is a great painter. This is a well written book and it shows a lot of his earlier minimal paintings, but leaving out a few paintings from the mid 90's. Interested to see what he does next.



3. I received the item very fast but thanks that the postman knows me as part of the addres information was missing. Probably because it is an odd address for people overseas. We have a different system here. Apart from this, everything was ok



4. This handsome volume explores Brice Marden's illustrious career as an abstract artist of New York city from the 60's unto the present day. The reproductions seen here are first rate in quality color and the writing is direct along with Marden's interesting interview. A must-have for anyone who thoroughly enjoys abstraction and modern art --especially for those who are following Brice Marden's remarkable journey with large, great paintings.

5 comments about A Field Guide to the Grand Canyon 2nd Edition.

1. Loads of detail. Really liked this book.
   - River and Desert Plants of the Grand Canyon by Kristin Huisinga, Lori Makarick and Kate Watters published 2006 by Mountain Press Publishing Company Missoula, Montana PO Box 2399, Missoula, Montana 59806 (406) 728-1900 Great book!
   - "Guidebook to the Colorado River Part 1 Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon National Park (and Part 2 Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon National Park to Lake Mead Arizona-Nevada) Two BYU Geology Professors W. Kenneth Hamblin and J. Keith Rigby. Indepth mile by mile with some pictures etc. They are only $5 a piece. A publication of the Department of Geology, Brigham Young University Provo, Utah 84602.



2. Useful guide for visitors who are hiking, but limited use for river runners.



3. This book was a nice introduction to the geology, plant and animal life of the grand canyon. It is small enough to take in your pack and is fun to read once you've arrived at camp and try to identify the plants, animals and strata you saw. Not too much specific information about any one species, strata, etc., but good general intros to flora, cacti, etc. I'd recommend it if it's your first hike in the canyon and you're just looking for a simple book to become familiar with the names of thing. You can find it in the gift shops on both rims too.



4. Handy easy-to-use guide to birds, flowers, cacti, wildflowers, reptiles, mammals, geology of the grand canyon. Nothing like it anywhere.



5. I agree with everything the previous reviewer said, except that I really like the overviews of Canyon geology and so on, and don't feel that those make to book too heavy to be useful as a field guide. This is probably the best and most informative guide for a hiker or visitor to the Grand Canyon to take along.

1 comments about Picasso Line Drawings and Prints (Dover Art Library).

1. This book of Picasso's sketches show the essence of who Picasso really was. They provide a great insight into his style and his sensuality.

5 comments about Spectrum 1: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.

1. If you are a serious fan of art of the fantastic, this is a must! I have become a collector of this series and each year I look forward to get each publication on hardcover if I can. Don't even think about it. Just get it.



2. I love art books and I want to collect all of the spectrum books. When I got this, I was sooo happy! I can't stop looking through it. It's inspiring and I can't wait to buy the rest of the series! Very vivid art!



3. Anybody who is interested in Sci-Fi or Fantasy artwork should be a big fan of this series. Spectrum 1 is actually a reprint of the original. The reason that I won't give it 5 stars is that since this was the first, it's format is that of a directory of illustrators. For an even better experience, pick up books 9-11, they're worth the cost.
   
   Panda



4. This book is totally weird. The pictures have nothing to do with
   anything. I was not inspired, my mother in law, an accomplished
   painter, saw nothing of interest. Check this book out carefully before
   you buy it, because it may not be what your looking for



5. These are truly spectacular collections: I have most of them and this is my favorite. Always count on finding many works that are stunning, breathtaking and thought-provoking. Potential buyers should be aware that there is usually some nudity and sexuality, and a few of the pictures in any collection will horrific or even grotesque. It is hard to imagine a better buy in representational art for an extremely varied collection of gorgeous, powerful, witty and clever works.

1 comments about Vivienne Westwood (Va).

1. We caught the Vivienne Westwood retrospective traveling show at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, and were blown away by the inventive, fun, nutty clothes this woman produced. This book serves as a exhibition catalog, although many of the pieces in the show are not in the book, and nothing matches seeing the wild shoes, hats, dresses and frocks in person. The book design is a minor annoyance, as it can be a little hard to find the garment pictured, who was wearing it, or when it was created. And I think frankly the girl has her best work behind her, but the glory of it cannot be exaggerated, or, to put it another way, her exaggerations were truly glorious. Over The Top in the very best way.
   
   Thoreau would no doubt disapprove....

3 comments about War Posters: Weapons of Mass Communication.

1. This book is very interesting because it shows posters made for war propaganda from both sides of the conflict. The posters give the reader a glimpse of how the other side viewed itself and its enemy.
   
   I am totally against fascist regime in Nazi Germany, Italy, and Imperial Japan, but to see their war posters, I sensed they really believed that they were fighting against a greater evil. The question is, what if we lost? Would we be portrayed as the evil capitalist empire on a mission to exploit the entire world?



2. It's not surprising to learn that this handsome volume was printed in conjunction with a British museum exhibit of war posters. The graphics chosen for inclusion here are of the highest caliber, and I can only imagine that curators pored over each of these and culled dozens (hundreds, even!) of others.
   
   It's fascinating to compare the icons, color schemes, and appeals to patriotism that have accompanied modern warfare in its various arenas. The posters are worth lingering over and thinking about, and the international flavor of the selections is laudable.
   
   I might quibble that the final chapter of anti-war posters seems vastly less impressive than it could have been; perhaps the author felt that it needed to be included, but didn't have the page count to accommodate the topic? No matter. A brilliant book; highly recommended.



3. This book is a formidable weight! It can be used as a 'coffee table book' but it is more than that. The illustrations are brilliant and the explanatory text very interesting. If you have an interest in propaganda, you should love it. I was given it as a present but I would have bought it anyway if I had spotted it first. It is unusual and brilliant.