- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: BBC Books (8 Nov 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0563537671
- ISBN-13: 978-0563537670
- Product Dimensions: 27.2 x 20.2 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 127,770 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
If you have ever wondered what makes a piece of art a masterpiece, then Monica Bohm-Duchen’s The Private Life of a Masterpiece is the perfect place to start. Bohm-Duchen sets out to look at eight "extremely famous works of Western art and examine them in detail from as many angles as possible". She explores "their origins, evolution and context, but also looking at their rich and varied afterlife". The result is a lavishly illustrated account of Michelangelo’s David, Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, Goya’s The Third of May 1808, Manet’s Olympia, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Munch’s The Scream, Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and finally Jackson Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm.
In a book so broad and ambitious there is much to dispute, particularly in the choice of images (surely Monet would have provided a better image than Manet?). Bohm-Duchen also bemoans her inability to discover any iconic female artists (or non-Western images for that matter). However, the book is excellent on the creation and fine detail of its eight masterpieces and is particularly strong on Michelangelo, Leonardo and Munch, if less convincing on Manet, Picasso and Pollock. Bohm-Duchen is also less than persuasive in explaining just why these images have become so famous, but perhaps that is the most difficult question of all to answer. This book will not amaze the experts but as a well-written approach to iconic western art works it is hard to beat. --Jerry Brotton
Product Description
By following the trail of clues through each masterpiece this book explores the life of the artist and the masterpiece from its conception through to its unveiling and afterlife. The focus is mainly on "David" by Michelangelo and "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. The book covers a broad range of themes: the process by which a work was made - who commissioned it, the people involved in making it; the historic context; the reception of the work when unveiled; the theft of artworks; and the restoration of damaged works; dramatic discoveries, such as some of Rembrandt's works, which were painted over when out of fashion in previous centuries.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Breathtaking artists and their Beautiful Images,
This review is from: The Private Life of a Masterpiece (Hardcover)
Profoundly mysterious and instantly familiar is that of the world's most well known works of art. How did these images come into existence and what has made them so popular?Well now these questions can be answered in Monica Bohm-Duchen's extrodianary book, 'The Private Life of A Masterpiece'. Delving into the secrets and trail of these iconic works of art we can capture clues and facts of dating from 1501 to 1950. We begin at the start of each Image, the history of the artist themseleves, the preparation, how the art was made, the opinions of the public and how it has influenced other artists. Many fans may also have had a glimpse at the BBC2 show which has explored already into masterpieces such as 'The Kiss' by August Rodin and 'The Execution of Rebels, May 3rd, 1808 by Francisco de Goya. 'The Private Life Of A Masterpiece' gives art fans all over a wonderful insight into the history of art, with it's wonderful illustrations and insightful reading.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Making Of A Masterpiece!,
By Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Private Life of a Masterpiece (Hardcover)
Author Monica Bohm-Duchen delves into eight famous works of art, and the lives of their creators, for "The Private Life Of A Masterpiece." She explores here the popularity of these masterworks. What has caused them to move so many viewers so deeply? The stories behind their creation and the history of each one, along with corresponding information about their respective artists, are also discussed. Dating from 1501 to 1950, the artworks selected are: Michelangelo's "David"; Leonardo's "Mona Lisa"; Francisco de Goya's "Third of May, 1808," Edouard Manet's "Olympia," Vincent Van Gogh's "Sunflowers," Edvard Munch's "Scream"; and two 20th-century paintings, Pablo Picasso's "Demoiselles d'Avignon" and Jackson Pollock's "Autumn Rhythm." In all, there are 150 black and white photographs and 10 line illustrations in this 240 page book - a real gem for any art lover to treasure. The principal commonality in the pieces chosen for the publication, apart from being well known art icons, is that all eight strike resounding chords within viewers worldwide.Each painting, and the "David," have their own, in-depth biography. Ms. Bohm-Duchen's rich analytical narrative is what makes this volume so special. This is not a dry text at all. As a matter if fact, I found it to be a real page-turner. The author has thoroughly researched every piece, and writes fascinating commentary on their creation. I was especially intrigued by the text documenting the various methods the artists used to prepare and execute their work. Also, of particular interest are the historical art reviews - how the finished masterpieces were received by the public. For example, when Manet's painting "Olympia" was hung in the Salon of Paris in 1865, it was met with jeers, laughter and disdain by art critics, the public, and the newspapers. Manet was rebelling against the art establishment of the time, and Ms. Bohm-Duchen explains that by painting a real woman, a courtesan at that, instead of an idealized version of "woman," and by disregarding the paths forged by the great masters, Manet greatly shocked viewers. Tidbits like these may not be absolutely necessary for an understanding of art, but the wealth of material the author provides certainly enhanced my appreciation and enjoyment. Beautifully written and presented, I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fine art. JANA 7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Journey From Painting to Icon,
By Artist Barbara Garro - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Private Life of a Masterpiece (Hardcover)
Monica Bohm-Duchen has taken 8 famous paintings and told me the story of both the artist and the painting with the understanding that there really is no separation between the artist and his or her painting/s. How I hope that she writes a sequel, another sequel, another sequel! (This time I hope she includes women artists.)Especially, this book speaks to artists and art lovers. We artists know that each painting is a spirit that is very much alive. Unlike most book discussions of great art, Bohm-Duchen's is a page turner and almost a voyeuristic glimpse into the private lives of 8 artists, not so easily gleaned in the retrospectives and other tomes that speak of the art of these famous artists.I got an amazing pictural look at Jackson Pollock and gained a greater respect for his artistic composition and methodolody. I discovered the history of madness of the van Gogh family here and not in literally dozens of other books on van Gogh and his body of work. Every other book merely said Theo, his benefactor and art gallery owner brother, died about six months after van Gogh and never mentioned madness as the cause, or that his youngest brother killed himself at 32 or that his favorite sister, Wil, also spent time committed to a mental asylum. Bravo! Every artist and art lover and artist-to-be needs to read this book now. This book is a gift of joy you give yourself and others. |
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