Jan Steen: The Drawing Lesson (Getty Museum Studies on Art) [Paperback]

John Walsh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0892363924 | ISBN-13: 978-0892363926 | Publication Date: June 20, 1996 | Edition: 1

In this fascinating exploration of Jan Steen's The Drawing Lesson, John Walsh offers an explanation of the individual parts and larger patterns of the work, allowing us to see how each prop and pose contributes to the larger theme--the art of painting and the education of the artist. He also recounts Steen's career and the history of the picture itself, presenting, in sum, not only an examination of a fine painting but also a lesson in how to look at and "read" a complex work of art.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Walsh has been Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum since 1983. Previously, he was curator of paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In addition to articles in such publications as The Connoisseur and Burlington Magazine, he is the author of several exhibition catalogues including A Mirror of Nature with Cynthia P. Schneider.

Product Details

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 edition (June 20, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892363924
• ISBN-13: 978-0892363926
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #615,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Anachronistic connoisseurship, February 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Jan Steen: The Drawing Lesson (Getty Museum Studies on Art) (Paperback)

Art historical scholarship has undergone a profound revolution in the past 25 years, but you would never know it from this tedious monograph. Walsh writes reasonably well, but without passion. The greater flaw, however, is the abscence of the kinds of histortical, political, social, or other insights that would provide a context for understanding the larger significance of Steen's work. Instead, one is left with a journeyman quality academic tome.