Esteban Vicente [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Frank (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 1995

This magnificent volume by Pulitzer-Prize-winner Frank is the first devoted to the Spanish-born Vicente, one of the few surviving first-generation members of the New York School of Abstract Expressionists. Painting, collage, and drawing from a half-century of constant evolution. Over-size plates capture the luminosity and serenity of his rich palette and elegant compositions.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Vicente was part of the post^-World War I movable feast that generated modern art. He traveled from the small Spanish town of his birth to Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris, reaching his final destination, New York, in 1936, where he became one of the first abstract expressionists. He continues to explore this infinitely malleable form with fluency and an organic spirituality. Pulitzer Prize winner Frank summarizes Vicente's life quickly, then embarks on an in-depth analysis of his work. She notes that his early study of sculpture strongly influenced his painting, endowing it with substance no matter how atmospheric it became. Vicente honed his skill at conveying "movement and incident" in his early collages, which are so multidimensional they seem to pop right off their two-dimensional plane. This is due, in part, to the amazing luminosity of his colors; some canvases are so radiant they look like stained glass. In his later works, Vicente's deceptively simple compositions open up more and more, ultimately attaining a sense of floating, of cosmic phenomena, or even music. Frank's insightful commentary is matched by top-notch color reproductions. Donna Seaman

Product Details

• Hardcover: 164 pages
• Publisher: Hudson Hills Press; 1st edition (October 25, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155595099X
• ISBN-13: 978-1555950996
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 11.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,022,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Abstract Expressionism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love Abstract Expressionism, Get It, January 21, 2001

By 

carol irvin "carol irvin" (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Esteban Vicente (Hardcover)

I love this art style and so heartily appreciated Vicente's exquisite paintings. He veers in the direction of colors I prefer as well, using purples, violets and reds generously. I know I've bemoaned art books which aren't laid out well but this is not one of them. If all art books were published with this care and attention, I would never complain about layout again, in fact! Elizabeth Frank, the writer, does her usual exemplary job but, as usual, I was into it far more for just looking at the art work. If you hate abstract expressionism and/or the cover of the book, go no further. The cover is very representative of his overall style and color preferences.

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Book, August 25, 2006

By 

Audrey L. Sargeant - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Esteban Vicente (Hardcover)

This is an extremely inspiring book, beautifully written with a tremendous number of color illustrations. It was worth every penny!

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely to look at, delightful to read!, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Esteban Vicente (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful, well written, interesting story of this first generation New York School painter's life and art. The illustrations are glorious and the writing is poetic. A perfect addition to any library and an ideal gift for any art lover!