Overview

Georges Braque is one of the best-known and least-understood artists of our century. From his friends' affectionate recollections, he emerges as a cheerful and energetic dandy, renowned for his good looks, his skills as an amateur boxer, and his ability to play Beethoven symphonies on the accordion. His art suggests a different persona, however, for he was intensely serious, technically meticulous, and devoted to making thoughtful, deeply felt images--whether as a Fauve, a Cubist, or a mature painter working in his own distinctive style. Both the quiet intelligence of the man and the originality of his passionate yet elegant paintings emerge from Karen Wilkin's perceptive text and astutely chose reproductions. This invaluable study brings a new clarity to Braque's art and art making. About the Modern Masters series: With informative, enjoyable texts and over 100 illustrations -- approximately 48 in full color -- this innovative series offers a fresh look at the most creative and influential artists of the postwar era. The authors are highly respected art historians and critics chosen for their ability to think clearly and write well. Each handsomely designed volume presents a thorough survey of the artist's life and work, as well as statements by the artist, an illustrated chapter on technique, a chronology, lists of exhibitions and public collections, an annotated bibliography, and an index. Every art lover, from the casual museumgoer to the serious student, teacher, critic, or curator, will be eager to collect these Modern Masters. And with such a low price, they can afford to collect them all.

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9780896599475

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Reviews

Although French painter Georges Braque (1882-1963) was highly respected and financially successful during his lifetime, his individuality and inventiveness have often been overshadowed by the even greater genius of Picasso, his collaborator in the development of cubism. In her succinct and illuminating text, Wilkin (Stuart Davis) traces Braque's career, beginning with his fauve period and his interest in Cezanne. She conveys a clear understanding of his style and technique, and demonstrates his integral role in the cubist experiment. While Picasso moved off in other directions, Braque, using the still life as his major theme, continued to develop and refine cubism for the rest of his career. This polished monograph, illustrated with scores of color and black-and-white reproductions, offers a highly satisfying account of an artist who, hardly ever delving beyond the intimate world of his studio for subject matter, transformed ordinary objects--guitars, tabletops, and fruit bowls--into masterpieces of form and color. --Publishers Weekly

Author Information

Karen Wilkin, the author of Abbeville's Stuart Davis and David Smith.

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