Amedeo Modigliani: Portraits and Nudes (Pegasus Library Paperback) [Paperback]

Anette Kruszynski (Author), Amedeo Modigliani (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pegasus Library Paperback | Publication Date: October 2000

This interpretation of Modigliani's career charts the artist's development from his early portraits, through more stylised decorative imagesm such as the graceful figures with the almond-shaped eyes and swan-like necks, to his mature depictions of nudes, which have become symbols of femininity. Although Modigliani led the dissipated life of the turn-of-the-century bohemian in Paris, dying at the age of of 35, his restless life is scarcely reflected in his paintings. The author shows how his works are characterised by cool detachment and often archaic austerity. This study reveals how Modigliani drew his inspiration not so much from the avant-garde movements of the time, such as Cubism, Fauvism and Futurism, as from artists of the Renaissance and Rococo periods.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The books have great subjects--some of the most famous images in all art--and they have something new to say about them...."

About the Author

Anette Kruszynski is the Exhibitions Curator at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Dusseldorf. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Prestel Pub (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3791324128
• ISBN-13: 978-3791324128
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,796,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, July 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Amedeo Modigliani (Pegasus Library) (Hardcover)

The is an excellent book. The author focuses on Modigilani's work, rather than his biography. The stylist development of his work (painting and sculpture) is covered from the earliest works in Italy to the most maturest works before his death. The discussion focuses on M's composition, characterization, and techniques. This is supported by beautiful reproductions - unbelievable for the price of this volume. At the beginning of the book, the author mentions, "Initially, Modigliani's portraits make a uniform and montonous impression. We feel, after examining only a few works, that we are all too familiar... Only closer scrutiny...clarifies Modigliani's stringent stylistic development." The book suceeds wonderfully in opening the readers eyes to the features of this development. I only wish that I had bought the hardbound edition.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Introductory Book to Modigliani in Print!, May 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Amedeo Modigliani (Pegasus Library) (Hardcover)

This book is a fabulous introduction to the art of Amedeo Modigliani. It was printed in 1996, therefore most of what we know about Modigliani is included in it. The author has done a superb job of addressing the major issues of his portraits and nudes, and is helped by good reproductions. The author is astute in her assumptions about Modigliani's life and art. This is an overview of Modigliani's life art I read in just a few hours, well worth the price for the information that it gives swiftly and intelligently. Very highly recommended, especially for a first read.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy it for the visuals., September 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Amedeo Modigliani (Pegasus Library) (Hardcover)

For those who are looking for a book emphasizing Modigliani's work, I have to disagree with one of the other reviewers, it does not satisfy that need.

Not a good choice if you are looking to gaze and enjoy a series of full-page reproductions.