Gwen John [Paperback]

Alicia Foster (Author)

Book Description

Series: British Artists | Publication Date: August 2, 1999

From London in the 1890s to Paris in the early twentieth century, Gwen John's career spanned some of the most exciting periods and places in cultural history. Demolishing the myth of Gwen John (1876-1939) as a recluse, this new survey explores the art world at the center of these cities and reveals the alliances and differences the artist had with her contemporaries. John's representation of the female nude, her paintings of interiors, and the effects of her Catholic faith on her work are all considered. The author also discusses the key relationship between John's position as a woman artist and her fascination with the portrayal of the female sitter.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Although largely ignored in her lifetime, John's work is now acclaimed by artists and art historians. This beautifully illustrated book offers an excellent study of John's life and artistic development. Langdale examines the passionate but reclusive John in a historical context that includes her acquaintances with Rodin, Picasso, and many other artists. Her research helps to explain why, despite the paring down of detail, the figural distortion, the coolness of tone, and the exaggerated plainness of the models, John's paintings emerge with contained emotion. An excellent resource, recommended for all readers interested in art. Lucy Breslin, Portland, Me.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Alicia Foster is an independent art historian, recently specializing in the work of Gwen John.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (August 2, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 069102944X
• ISBN-13: 978-0691029443
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,082,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'Gwen John' by Alicia Foster; a refreshing change, April 11, 2001

By 

"philunsworth" (Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gwen John (Paperback)

'Gwen John' by Alicia Foster is one of the most interesting books that exist on this somewhat enigmatic artist. Foster reviews Gwen John's paintings with coolness and objectivity. This is especially refreshing as some writers on the same subject have engulfed themselves in biographical detail. This text, however, focuses on biographical information only as and when necessary. Foster evaluates Gwen John's paintings with regard to her artistic training at the Slade School as well as the influence of her decision to spend most of her career in Paris. She analyses John's occupation as artists model, her Catholic faith and her subject matter. Discussion is also given to Gwen John's work in relation to other artists working in the early part of the twentieth century, giving insight into the world in which Gwen John lived and worked.

Foster considers both feminist and modernist evaluations of Gwen John's paintings whilst not adhering to either doctrine. At the same time she is able to present her research in concise and easily understood language. This text provides valuable insights for readers looking at early twentieth century portraiture. However it would also be an engaging and pleasurable read for anyone with an interest in art.