Customer Reviews

Georges Seurat: The Drawings

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

 

 

I saw the show at MoMA on November 16, and could not wait to buy this book on Amazon. That was until I looked through the book at the musuem shop. Almost without exception, the reproductions of the drawings do not come close to capturing the wonderful drawings that I just saw. The same is true of the 15 or so painting in the show. Huge disappointment.

The book that does capture the greatness of the drawings and paintings is the catalogue from the 1991 exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum titled
GEORGE SEURAT 1859-1891 by Robert L. Herbert (available on this site).
Most of the drawings in the book under review were also in the huge Met
show.

This is a wonderful book, published to accompany the current exhibition at the MOMA in New York. High-quality illustrations with some close-ups of details (the texture of the paper even gives the reader the impression of holding an actual drawing because it resembles the grainy Michallet paper Seurat used) show how Seurat considered drawing an art form in its own right: some drawings are studies for paintings (The Bathers, The Models, The Grande Jatte...) and others are completely independent works of art. A sensible text helps the reader understand the artist's technique and style and an interesting chapter written by British contemporary artist Bridget Riley explains how her own art was influenced by Seurat's drawings. Highly recommended.

Seurat's sketches will come as a surprise to even the experienced artist! Seurat was more than merely a Pointillist. This book shows a selection of sketches that will inspire work on values in a unique way supported by essays that lead the reader through his possible thought processes, working methods, and the very probable reasons his paintings became the Pointillist movement. If you love to study painting, acquainting yourself with Seurat's drawings, that are difficult to find anywhere else, will enhance your journey.

I studied all the masters of true art which is suppose to be beautiful in nature, composition, etc. Seurate is a true artist and you can still learn from him -- those who are serious about art.

Seurat's drawings are amazing. If you don't know them you need this book. If you do know them, you need this book. Seurat's short life makes reading about him and seeing these images a charmed experience. Best to get to MoMA to see the show -- but give yourself a treat and buy this book. Right now.

Recently when in NYC I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. They were exhibiting drawings and sketches of Seurat. The effects he could get of illumination and movement with just a conti crayon or pencil were unbeliveable. I wanted to get the book that day, but it was heavy to carry around the City and airport. I was delighted to find it on Amazon - and for less money! I am thoroughly enjoying the book. The narrative is especially appreciated.

One of the most exquisite drawings by an exceptional artist. The exhibition in opening at MoMa - New York it's a must to see.