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Art of the 20th Century - The History of Art Year by Year from 1900 to 1999
book
- GenresArtArt HistoryNonfiction
Hardcover
Published January 1, 1999
About the author
Jean-Louis Ferrier
69 booksJean-Louis Ferrier taught at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris and was an Associate Professor at Columbia University's Paris Program. He was also an art critic for the renowned weekly news magazine, Le Point, consistently striving to bring an encyclopaedic knowledge and mature reflection on art to the widest possible public.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 17, 2021
A long, patient and rewarding stroll through the 20th century of European and American art. I welcomed the difference of the almanac style approach of a year by year survey in contrast to the "succession of movements" approach to modern art history.
A noticeable aspect of this book's point of view is a preoccupation with a sort of status ranking of national art scenes, particularly France vs U.S. (This is a French publication, I believe) This whiff of nationalistic inferiority/superiority complex was more amusing than irritating.
There is great variety presented here among art forms and architecture. The photos and reproductions are generally good, though a little more data would be helpful (e.g., size dimensions). I like the fact that there was a recurring "writings and theories" element, because there was certainly no shortage of artists' manifestos produced in that century. Even if i found the majority of them dense and confusing, i was happy for their inclusion. Developments in art markets and collections were presented as well.
As other reviewers note, there are quite a few typos and even a few layout mistakes, but not enough to really spoil the experience.
A noticeable aspect of this book's point of view is a preoccupation with a sort of status ranking of national art scenes, particularly France vs U.S. (This is a French publication, I believe) This whiff of nationalistic inferiority/superiority complex was more amusing than irritating.
There is great variety presented here among art forms and architecture. The photos and reproductions are generally good, though a little more data would be helpful (e.g., size dimensions). I like the fact that there was a recurring "writings and theories" element, because there was certainly no shortage of artists' manifestos produced in that century. Even if i found the majority of them dense and confusing, i was happy for their inclusion. Developments in art markets and collections were presented as well.
As other reviewers note, there are quite a few typos and even a few layout mistakes, but not enough to really spoil the experience.
October 30, 2015
Even with the many typos, this is the finest general history of which I am aware. Filled with substantial information of every sort and every painting presented with quality color illustrations This has long been one of my favorite books. Truly impressive.
February 28, 2026
Solid book covering majority of 20th century and a lot of in depth analysis of development through the prism of history.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews