T. C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists, 1896-1914 [Hardcover]

Rachel Berenson Perry (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0253352932 | ISBN-13: 978-0253352934 | Publication Date: June 23, 2009

This book chronicles the Society of Western Artists from its inception in 1896 to its last sponsored exhibit in 1914. Comprised of the top artists from Indianapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, the annual traveling exhibition enhanced the stature of the work of Western artists through exposure to a wider public and by garnering reviews in the nation's art periodicals. A founding and active member of the society, Hoosier Group artist T. C. Steele executed some of his best landscape works during the years the society was active. Rachel Berenson Perry examines Steele's thoughts on plein air painting, his role as a catalyst for the development of regional Midwest impressionism and the Brown County Art Colony, his painting techniques, and his unwavering devotion to nature. The volume features 60 color reproductions of artworks by the society's major artists, complete annual catalog listings, and original exhibition reviews.

(2009)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Steele and the others reserved their most important paintings every year for the Society of Western Artists traveling show, which means that the illustrations in this book are splendid. The span of this organization, 1896–1914, coincides pretty precisely with the best years for our artists—those in which they were bound most closely and collegially together to the benefit of their art." —Martin Krause, Indianapolis Museum of Art

(Martin Krause, Indianapolis Museum of Art 2009)

"Perry has documented an important chapter in the evolution of Midwestern art with compelling care and detail." —Bloom Magazine

(Bloom Magazine )

"Read the detailed history at your leisure, but take a good long look at the artwork. T. C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists is certainly the best Indiana coffee table book of the season." —theheraldbulletin.com, 12/2/2009

(theheraldbulletin.com )

"Perry's book provides a much needed account of the aspirations and achievements of this pioneering midwestern cultural institution." —INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY, June 2010

(INDIANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY )

About the Author

Rachel Berenson Perry is Fine Arts Curator for the Indiana State Museum. In addition to being a prolific author of articles in magazines such as American Art Review and Traces of Midwest and Indiana History, she wrote the introduction to The Artists of Brown County (IUP, 1994) and is author of The Life and Work of Ada Walter Shulz. She lives in Nashville, Indiana.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (June 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253352932
• ISBN-13: 978-0253352934
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 11.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,177,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars T.C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists, August 1, 2009

By 

Carol Eberle (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: T. C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists, 1896-1914 (Hardcover)

This excellently researched book depicts the growth and death of an artist society few of us today are aware of. Perry covers the influence of Steele in the birth and administration of the group, and discusses the relationships among the artists. Beautiful photographs of the work produced by the artist members of the society enhance the book, and give the viewer a sense of the artwork produced at the time. It is a book to linger over, take in slowly and enjoy thoroughly.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new side of an Indiana painter, November 14, 2009

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Book Addict (Midwest) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: T. C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists, 1896-1914 (Hardcover)

This book wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. It covers T.C. Steele, revered in Indiana, and his years in the Society of Western Artists. There are many images which I haven't seen before but I was also expecting some other images of that era. It should be made very clear that book covers the exhibitions of the Society of Western artists, not just of T.C. Steele of this time period.

As a bonus, there are also many plates of other painters who exhibited during this time period - Payne, Stark, Wendt, etc. This was a pleasant surprise. Also, for history buffs, it is well-written description of that era. I also enjoyed the many photos of the locations discussed in the book, common painting spots, etc.

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, February 6, 2010

By 

Mary Ann Davis "dgd art" (indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: T. C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists, 1896-1914 (Hardcover)

This book brings to life the trials artists of the past had promoting and selling their work. a very enlightening book! Written in a very conversational manner. Wonderful images!