Customer Reviews

Other Criteria: Confrontations with Twentieth-Century Art (Twentieth-Century Classics)

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Professor Steinberg takes art criticism to a new level with this book of essays on twentieth century art. This is a man who has spent his entire lifetime studying the work of Picasso, Rodin, Pollock, and others. And he puts it all together in 400+ page book that is easy and fun to read, even for the casual art lover. Which doesn't mean that his book is dumbed down or that it isn't brilliant and groundbreaking. He makes observations so keen and accurate that you really begin to believe there is method and logic and order to art (or at least great art). His choice of an artist's work to support his theories is always convincing, especially when he shows artwork in a sequence (for example, all the different versions of Picasso's "The Women of Algiers"). Some of the best parts of the book are when he explains the "Cubist simultaneity of point of view" or what a wrongly fitted limb on a Rodin's sculpture might mean. He's also a very good, clear writer. At one point, he'll be discussing the minute details of paintings and then he'll brilliantly link these observations to an artist's entire body of work or to art in general. One drawback: all the photographs of artwork are in black-and-white.

I am still reading and re-reading this wonderful compendium of best short (and not so short) Leo Steinberg's art-historical output. The man, without a question, is genius. If you have interest in art - this is must read for you. The text is not simple but neither it is overly scholarly, in short, it is inspiring. This volume is worthwhile if only for the "Jasper Johns: the First Seven Years of His Art" - which is breathtaking analysis of a contemporary artist. It was quite revelatory for me. Other 400 pages of material is also quite interesting and useful.

Leo Steinberg's command of English language is astounding, not to mention that he's fluent in all major European languages as well. His precision and evocative power is enviable and literary and poetic expression merits attention on its own. His delicacy, taste, accuracy, tolerance makes him an ideal teacher and someone you wish to consult on difficult matters.

I already read several of his books and his magazine articles and find communion with his ideas quite pleasurable and profitable.