Drawing Acts: Studies in Graphic Expression and Representation

by David Rosand

Drawing Acts is about drawing, both as art and act. Taking the study of drawings beyond the traditional agenda of connoisseurship, David Rosand explores the significance of the making of drawings, the meaning in the line of the draftsman, and the recreative dimension of critical response. The book focuses on drawings by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Piranesi, Tiepolo and Picasso, as well as on the history and theory of the medium itself. It seeks to establish new foundations for the criticism and appreciation of drawing, which is often considered the most revealing record of artistic creativity, offering the most direct expression of the artistic self.

443 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Andy Dávila · Rating 5 out of 5]

read some chapters from this for my research, and i found it so eye-opening(!)

is it dense? yes
is it heavy on the academia language? of course
did i learn anything? so much

Rosand has a really engaging writing style, which, in a way, allows you to inhabit the same headspace he was in, when he developed these theories

also incredibly well-researched, but very new and interesting contributions!! well new to me at least