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Antoine's Alphabet: Watteau and His World
by
Jed Perl
Antoine Watteau, one of the most mysterious painters who ever lived, is the inspiration for this delightful investigation of the tangled relationship between art and life. Weaving together historical fact and personal reflections, the influential art critic Jed Perl reconstructs the amazing story of this pioneering bohemian artist who, although he died in 1721, when he was...more
Hardcover, 224 pages
Published
September 9th 2008
by Knopf
(first published 2008)
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This is another one I thought I could read in transit, and it was pretty good for that-- a collection of ideas, stories, overheard conversations et al dealing with the painter Watteau, arranged alphabetically and grouped around key terms (so that A has entries on Actors, Antony, and Art-for-Art's-Sake).
At first I honestly didn't think too much of it, in part because I'm not sure I'm completely sold on Watteau as a painter, as much as I'd like to be. It might be asking something from Perl that h...more
At first I honestly didn't think too much of it, in part because I'm not sure I'm completely sold on Watteau as a painter, as much as I'd like to be. It might be asking something from Perl that h...more
At times while perusing this book (a better word than 'reading,' in the strictest sense)I had a feeling similar to when one wakes up from an odd, even surreal, afternoon nap (those daytime naps really provoke strange dreams sometimes); you are intrigued and sort of haunted by the random strangeness of some of the content. Same here. Watteau's paintings all by themselves would have drawn me to this work no matter the content of the accompanying prose, but this A-Z approach of bringing up subject...more
If I were to see a painting or sketch by Watteau in a museum, I'm not sure if it would catch my eye. I might look at it and think, "people, yawn," and move on. I tend to like abstract art or minimalist art, art that is about color or shape, or else I like certain landscapes, certain still lifes or interiors: it's rare for portraits or group scenes to really grab my interest. But this book had me interested. It starts with two things: looking and exuberance, and I am a sucker for that particular...more
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An amazing approach to art history. The author provides an alphabet to accompany the life of Watteau. For example "B is for Back" since Watteau features the back side of some many of his subjects. The entries themselves are like meditations as Perl is a charming writer whose lyricism nicely suits his subject.
Tried to read this for Museum of Art Book club, but could not get past page 50. Attempted to read it several different times to no avail. Made absolutely no sense to me... Can't wait to hear the discussion at book club--maybe that will help.
Having been introduced to the magic of Watteau by another writer (Eleanor Farjeon), it was lovely to find another soul enthralled by his magic. A quick read.
Although I am absorbed in Mrs. Dalloway's lovely lyricism, I can't help but allow myself to follow this brief diversion. I came across this volume in the National Gallery's abundant little bookshop, and kind of bought it on a whim, but it is just too good! Check out this tidbit from pg. 20:
"The moderns dreamed of liberating beauty from the obligations of meaning, they conceived of beauty not as an idea or an ideal but as an irreducible sensation, an unforgettable kiss, a distillation of apprehen...more
"The moderns dreamed of liberating beauty from the obligations of meaning, they conceived of beauty not as an idea or an ideal but as an irreducible sensation, an unforgettable kiss, a distillation of apprehen...more
Now to watch "Children of Paradise" and learn more about the Sitwells.
This was very disappointing! It got so much good hype, it was a real let down.
Not worth your time!!
Not worth your time!!
Makes me wish I were back in the Louvre :(
Apr 27, 2013
Rory
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Buried In Print
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| Watteau | 1 | 3 | May 28, 2010 08:14am |
