Customer Reviews

George Inness: A Catalogue Raisonne

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This twin volume set is much more than a catalog. Instead of the dusty black and white photos from ancient sources used in most catalogues raisonne, Michael Quick provides us with a compendium of crisp black and white reproductions interspersed with a hundred beautiful color images. Initially I felt the color images were a little on the small side (usually two to a page) but after perusing the books awhile I found them more than adequate due to the exceptional quality of the film work and printing. The color sections have no text so the reproductions are afforded maximum space.

Equally unexpected is the clear and enjoyable writing. Michael Quick's confidence and profound knowledge of his subject matter allows him to forgo the usual academic verbosity that ruins similar volumes. Each painting is thoughtfully described, with a paragraph commenting authoritatively on painting style and technique, listing anomalies in Inness' procedures when present. Although I bought the catalog hoping for beautiful reproductions (which it has) I intend to read every comment on every painting in these massive volumes. I have a lot of enjoyable reading ahead of me.

An added bonus, small yet worth mentioning, is the linen slip-cover case which is a worthy addition to what is now the undisputed gem of my art library.

When I read Brad Teare's review of the Inness CR my first thought was that he must be a 'plant' by the publisher but nevertheless, and despite my default cynicism,I decided to buy the book. EVERY word Teare wrote WAS the whole truth. I see little point in adding to what Mr Teare has already said. If you are reading this because you are considering whether to purchase the book yourself I strongly advise you to do so. In my experience such items, when they go out of print, can be near impossible to obtain again.