The Eye of Duncan Phillips: A Collection in the Making [Hardcover]

Erika D. Passantino (Editor), David W. Scott (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0300080905 | ISBN-13: 978-0300080902 | Edition: First Edition

This lavishly illustrated book is both a survey of the major European and American works in The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., and a guide to the museum's holdings and significance. A study of the history of taste in twentieth-century America, it documents the evolution of modernism as well as the pivotal role played by Duncan Phillips (1886-1966) as a critic and collector.

Written by leading scholars in the field, the book begins with three essays on Phillips the writer, collector, and museum director. The contributors note that Phillips viewed modernism as evolutionary, reaching back to sources in the Renaissance and forward to the modern sensibilities of such artists as Bonnard, Dove, Klee, and Rothko. He installed his collection to explore visual tensions and harmonies -- between past and present, between classical form and romantic expression. The book continues with eleven chapters, each devoted to a different area of the collection and each accompanied by an introductory essay. More than hundred works of art are presented and examined, chosen from the museums holdings for their significance as milestones in the history of the collection and in Phillips's aesthetic development.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

More than simply a catalog to the holdings of the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, this massive book offers a virtual tour of Modernism as observed by the museum's founder, Duncan Phillips (1886-1966). Introductory essays give an overview of the man behind the insitution. Phillips was an astute and opinionated critic as well as collector, and the analysis of his changing opinions on the art of his day are of considerably more significance than the sort of hagiographic stuff one usually finds in collectors' catalogs. At the end of the book are several appendixes offering a wealth of data for researchers on Phillips's writings and shows at the collection as well as copious notes. But the vast center of the book--nearly 600 pages--is filled with an inventively organized catalog of the collection, or at least several hundred important pieces from it. Eleven chapters open with topical essays (from "Sources of Modernism" to "Washington and Baltimore Artists"), which are followed by subchapters offering biographical history, pictorial analysis, and plates of works by artists relevant to the period and place in question. The writing throughout is scholarly but completely lucid. A model work, this is highly recommended for all but small public libraries.
-Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A comprehensive catalog and history of Washington's Phillips Collection as well as an intellectual biography of its founder. . . . Prodigiously researched and illustrated, this book is an invaluable resource for scholars and anyone who delights in the Phillips Collection. Unquestionably the art book of the year. -- Eric Gibson, Wall Street Journal

A monumental book. This stately but never pompous volume includes entries on 191 of the artists in the collection and 411 works. It is a pleasure to read, and an education to look at. One of the major lacunas in American-art literature has at last been filled -- John Russell, New York Times Book Review

One of the great art books of the past decade. . . . This beautiful catalogue elegantly tells the story of how Phillips developed as an art critic. -- Stephen Goode, Washington Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 840 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; First Edition edition (October 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300080905
• ISBN-13: 978-0300080902
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.7 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #950,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Has many color paintings, some full size!, June 22, 2010

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Parkermann347 (U.S.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Eye of Duncan Phillips: A Collection in the Making (Hardcover)

I was pleasantly surprised to find that unlike many catalogue art books, this has a generous allotment of full color reproductions. There is such a huge amount of art here, that even though many of the pictures are in black and white, there are enough in color so that this makes a wonderful coffee table art book. They are printed full page in many cases or at least large enough to appreciated the detail. I would estimate there are around 100 or so in color. All in all a fun and informative book for those who want to know more about the famed Phillips collection.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Eye of Duncan Philips: A Collection in the Making, March 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Eye of Duncan Phillips: A Collection in the Making (Hardcover)

An excellent, in-depth book that reads very well. It gives a wonderful narration and visual on every painting in this special collection. I was fortunate enough to visit the museum in Washington D.C. and see the actual works of art. It was an awesome show and the book follows suit. A very worthwhile book for the artist, student and those who just enjoy art!