Customer Reviews

Giorgio Morandi 1890-1964: Nothing Is More Abstract Than Reality

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the catalogue for the current Morandi exhibition at the Met in NYC. It basically follows a strict chronology after two introductory essays, one attempting a reassessment of the artist's oeuvre in the light of the many studies that have been carried out in recent years and of his influence on contemporary art (no longer limited to abstraction)and the other dwelling on the visual sources that inspired the painter (Cézanne obviously, but also the Douanier Rousseau, Corot, Chardin to name but a few). These two essays are particularly interesting in that they provide in-depth information on the technique and working process of the artist and also on the somewhat paradoxical recognition of Morandi as a great master in the 1950's, at a time when abstraction was the dominant trend.

The book is then divided into five distinct periods, first displaying wonderful commented illustrations of the works pertaining to each period, and then followed by various essays (on the debatable influence of Piero della Francesca, on Morandi's etchings, on the critical reception and the market in Europe and the Americas, on debunking the myth of a reclused closed-off artist, on Morandi's famous saying that "nothing is more abstract than reality"). The book ends with a short text by Umberto Eco describing his discovery of Morandi's art, followed by transcripts of interviews of the artist.

This is probably the best artbook I have ordered this year (and I have ordered many!). The text is riveting, the illustrations (more than a hundred still-lifes and a dozen landscapes, all in full color) could not be better and some close-ups even give you the impression of holding the actual painting in your own hands (when I go through my library of some 800 artbooks, I have to disagree with the other reviewer of this book: the illustrations are outstanding).

Highly recommended.

Having just seen Morandi's show at the Met and purchasing this book (and having seen quite a few other Morandi publications), I can say confidently that this is an excellent book in all respects. I'm not sure what Mitchell Johnson expects from an art book. All of the plates are large, focused, and as close to Morandi's color as can be achieved without gluing the paintings themselves onto the pages of the book. There are also some excellent close ups of several paintings which are fascinating. This is a top rate publication with excellent reproductions.

I've collected a lot of art books over the last 30 years, and I have to say, I was completely blown away by the quality of the plates in this book. It's true, I haven't the originals to compare with the images directly, but in terms of how 'real' the images feel, it's one of the most outstanding publications I've seen in a long, long time.

In response to the two star reviews that decry the 'flatness' of the plates, I have this to say:

Comparing photographic prints of painted works to the originals is a little like comparing the sound reproduction of hifi systems to the original performance - sort of redundant. A good audio recording played through a great sound system, gives a wonderful feeling of 'being there' whether or not it's a perfect reproduction. Likewise, the images in this book give me the feeling of looking at real works of art, in the best possible way. The focus is generally pin-sharp, and the paintings are cleverly lit to clearly reveal the texture in each work. The images are of a good size, plus some detail images. The paper is heavy too.

In short, I'd rather spend time with quality reproductions of this wonderful artists work than deny myself the pleasure because they might be somehow not quite 'perfect'.

This is undoubtedly the best review of Morandi and his work written in English. Spectacular reproductions of the most important museum show ever assembled on this artist. Outstanding commentary by the leading Morandi experts.

I happen to have loved this artist's work for a long time and have collected many books about him. Thia is an excellent treatise which makes me even more excited to visit the Phillips Collection in the Spring (2009) to see more of his work.

I bought the same book in Morandi's Museum in Bologna and the quality was perfect! So I decided to order another one here for my friend. Quality is not perfect but acceptable, colors are different. I suggest every fan of Giorgio Morandi to go to his museum in Bologna, because there is no book that can represent all fullness of color cominations of his original works.

As an artist, I care about reproductions. Nothing is like the real thing, but this book brings one close to Morandi's work. As much as possible, I feel in his great presence.

This is big, comprehensive book with a really satisfying number of pictures. Some show Morandi's work next to those by artists who influenced him, which is interesting. There are several long essays that most people will probably not get through. Worth the price anyhow.

my wife is an artists by heart and she loved the book because she loves Morandi's work. If you like the show at the Met, you will like the book.

i'm a painter and have been a huge fan of morandis all 30 years of my adult life. like the two star reviewer above i own all the books available including this lame addition to the small pack. one of the worst art catalogues ive ever seen. and i own a ton of them! chock full of dull academic writing and lousy reproductions. karen wilkins book is infinitely superior. don't even buy it unless youre a completist like me. really