Amedeo Modigliani: Protraits and Nudes (Pegasus Library) [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Anette Kruszynski (Author)

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...." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Amadeo Modigliani led the dissipated, extravagent life of a bohemian in Paris at the beginning of the century. Yet this apparently glittering and restless life, which came to a sudden end when he was just 35, is not reflected in his work at all. Modigliani's paintings and sculptures are marked by cool detachment, with often archaically austere deictions of the human figure and acutely characterized portraits. The avant-garde movements of the time, such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Futurism, had little effect on his art.

It is not theory, but the human being that lies at the center of Modigliani's work. He drew inspiration from the artists of the Renaissance and the Rococo periods for his distanced, dignified portraits. His preferred models were friends and his companion Jeanne Hebuterne, but he also depicted simple country people.

The author provides a sympathetic interpretation of Modigliani's career. She charts the artist's development from the penetrating psychological studies of his early portraits, through images of a more decorative nature - the graceful figures with the famous almond-shaped eyes and swan-like necks - to his mature depictions of nudes, which remain valid icons of femininity.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Prestel; illustrated edition edition (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3791316745
• ISBN-13: 978-3791316741
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,604,388 in Books (See Bestsellers 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

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.

13 of 15 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 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.

7 of 11 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

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.