Expressionism (Movements in Modern Art) [Paperback]

Shulamith Behr (Author)

Book Description

Series: Movements in Modern Art | Publication Date: April 13, 2000

Expressionism was united by a rejection of Impressionism and a search for an inner, essential reality behind the external world of appearances. Nietzsche's writings also inspired Expressionists to emphasize "personal expression" during the creative process that rendered their works jarring, apparently unresolved and distorted. In this accessible introduction to the history of Expressionism, the characteristics of the movement are surveyed less in terms of a cohesive style than from the perspective of the milieu in modern German culture. The works of both well-known and less familiar artists are considered. In particular, the impact of the First World War is examined in light of the Utopian concerns of sculptors, architects, and painters. Expressionism's demise during the 1920s and the Third Reich is traced through to the reemergence of the tradition after the Second World War.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This handy introductory text is a clear and focused account of the diverse range of modernist cultural practice that is normally grouped under the banner of 'Expressionism'." Dorothy Rowe, University of Surrey, Roehampton

"This handy introductory text is a clear and focused account

of the diverse range of modernist cultural practice that is

normally grouped under the banner of 'Expressionism'. Behr

delineates the origins, meanings and historiography of the

term before going on to provide a thematically structured

approach to the art and artists commonly associated with it.

A particular strength of the book is the inclusion of

references to primary material not normally included in introductory texts of this nature as well as an extensive

"...part of an interesting series that has some strengths and weaknesses for school use. It's handy to have art books that are so thin and easy to handle." Kliatt

Book Description

In this accessible introduction to the history of Expressionism, the characteristics of the movement are surveyed less in terms of a cohesive style than from the perspective of the milieu in modern German culture. The works of both well-known and less familiar artists are considered. In particular, the impact of the First World War is examined in light of the Utopian concerns of sculptors, architects, and painters. Expressionism's demise during the 1920s and the Third Reich is traced through to the reemergence of the tradition after the Second World War.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 13, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521788471
• ISBN-13: 978-0521788472
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,403,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Expressionism

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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 Highly educative and greatly entertaining!, October 16, 2000

By 

Ines Schlenker, University of London - See all my reviews

This review is from: Expressionism (Movements in Modern Art) (Hardcover)

Among the overviews of German Expressionism Shulamith Behr's book, published by the Tate Gallery in a series on modern art movements, stands out for being concise and wonderfully readable. Combining the latest research with original contemporary texts, Behr manages to tell the history of the movement in a style that is at the same time highly educative and greatly entertaining. After examining the origins of Expressionism, three chapters present a vivid picture of its centres in Germany before WWI and its main artistic communities: Dresden and Die Brücke, Munich and Der Blaue Reiter, Berlin and Die Pathetiker. The last chapter looks at the more politicized forms of Expressionist art after 1918 as well as its fate in the Third Reich and its continued impact on contemporary art. Delineating thus one of the most influential art movements of the twentieth century in all its variations, the book is a brilliant introduction to Expressionism, all the more so since it is beautifully illustrated throughout and provides a bibliography with recommendations for further reading.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly educative and greatly entertaining!, October 16, 2000

By 

Ines Schlenker, University of London - See all my reviews

This review is from: Expressionism (Movements in Modern Art) (Paperback)

Among the overviews of German Expressionism Shulamith Behr's book, published by the Tate Gallery in a series on modern art movements, stands out for being concise and wonderfully readable. Combining the latest research with original contemporary texts, Behr manages to tell the history of the movement in a style that is at the same time highly educative and greatly entertaining. After examining the origins of Expressionism, three chapters present a vivid picture of its centres in Germany before WWI and its main artistic communities: Dresden and Die Brücke, Munich and Der Blaue Reiter, Berlin and Die Pathetiker. The last chapter looks at the more politicized forms of Expressionist art after 1918 as well as its fate in the Third Reich and its continued impact on contemporary art. Delineating thus one of the most influential art movements of the twentieth century in all its variations, the book is a brilliant introduction to Expressionism, all the more so since it is beautifully illustrated throughout and provides a bibliography with recommendations for further reading.