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David
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 26, 2021
The book is far more then satisfactory, however, to a fault it lacks engagement with context. Everything a student or developing lover of art may want to know about the esteemed David can be found at an introductory level within the discussion found here. A great sampiling of Davids work with wonderful accompanying art discussions are to be found as well. Particularly well presented sketches add to the discussion on fundamental development of David through his early career. But where do we get to actually engage with how David went from smash the monarchy and guillatione the monarch to uphold the Republic and brown nosing the Emperor?
There are hints that the author provides, but in contrast to Davids zealous fervent support of the atrocities of the revolution, the author seems to shy away from making any claims to the reader about how David turned. Say old age, say greed, say suncere repentence so long as the author tried to make a claim of any sort, and as the reader I would have found the discussion that much more satisfying. But nothing was actually said about this and now this reader has to turn to other authors and experts to figure out this Davidian evolution.
For this alone I would be compelled to give two stars but the book has far more redeeming qualities that I briefly discussed above. Do not get this as a introduction to David but rather as a reference to his world primarily and possibly a brief description of his style and technique over the years and the responses to his work as well as the overview of historical context and personal life stimuli. Reference. Thats probably the best qualification I can give for this authors treatment of David in this particular book.
There are hints that the author provides, but in contrast to Davids zealous fervent support of the atrocities of the revolution, the author seems to shy away from making any claims to the reader about how David turned. Say old age, say greed, say suncere repentence so long as the author tried to make a claim of any sort, and as the reader I would have found the discussion that much more satisfying. But nothing was actually said about this and now this reader has to turn to other authors and experts to figure out this Davidian evolution.
For this alone I would be compelled to give two stars but the book has far more redeeming qualities that I briefly discussed above. Do not get this as a introduction to David but rather as a reference to his world primarily and possibly a brief description of his style and technique over the years and the responses to his work as well as the overview of historical context and personal life stimuli. Reference. Thats probably the best qualification I can give for this authors treatment of David in this particular book.
July 19, 2023
A brilliant monograph of David, with full-page colorplates, and rich and lively analysis of his work.
Monsieur Lavoisier and his wife, 1788:
Napoleon in His Study, 1812:
Monsieur Lavoisier and his wife, 1788:
Napoleon in His Study, 1812:
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews