Vincent Van Gogh

Masterpieces of Art

by Stephanie Cotela Tanner

Part of a new series of beautiful gift art books, Van Gogh Masterpieces of Art features all of the best-known works of one of the most famous artists in the world, preceded by a fresh and thoughtful introduction providing lively commentary on his life, society, places and style and techniques, including the powerful animation of his strident brushwork. The book is organized into four key geographical sections, all showcasing vividly rich reproductions of Van Gogh's more famous pieces.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

127 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now who has not heard of Vincent Van Gogh - I think the artist is known the world over (especially when ever greater eye watering prices are paid for his works - such a irony since he could not even give them away at times in his life time). However the mans creativity is amazing - which is demonstrated by the various stages of his life and career - all captured in this book.

I have the pleasure of visiting his interactive exhibition last year and I have to say that the sheer versatility and range of the man is astounding - not all of them are to my liking but that suns up art in general I think - what may stir one person leave another cold.

So yes like the other books in this series you have a biography of the artist followed by a selection of his works, in this case charting his life and travels.

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

Yellow, yellow, so much lovely, warm and bright yellow! And yet there’s so much more to soak up, what about those wonderful brushstrokes in “Wheatfield With A Lark” or the swirling intensity of “The Starry Night” and the all-round sumptuousness of “Wheatfield With Cypresses”.

This showcases most of his better well-known works as well as some of the more obscure efforts, which don’t tend to get as much air time. This works well as a simple and effective overview of Van Gogh’s short, troubled life and his highly impressive, though not always consistent artistic output.

[Ostap Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to van Gogh’s life and works, presented in the ‘Masterpieces of Art’ series that I have so enjoyed with other artists. I learned a little less in the case of van Gogh but it would be unfair to knock the book down because of it, and the format of a 28 page introduction followed by 90 pages of full page art again works well here. You’ll see the classics which I scarcely need mention, but also works that are in private hands, such as the stunning ‘Half Figure of an Angel (After Rembrandt)’, 1889. You may smile at those you’ve seen in museums in various places in the world, be moved at van Gogh’s vibrancy and depth of feeling, and be sad in comparing his own self-portrait from 1889 with the portrait he drew of Dr. Felix Rey in the same year. Fittingly, the collection ends with his last work, ‘Wheatfield with Crows’, 1890, which is one of the most haunting and melancholy paintings I’ve ever seen. Celebrate the man, and remember him if you happen to see a poor artist on the street.

[Kassidy Groner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting "coffee table" read. I loved the way the author organized Van Gogh's paintings, and the text offered an interesting, simple biography of his life. Also, each painting as accompanied by a caption giving a little background information on its creation. Short but sweet!