What do you think?
Rate this book
Arno Breker: Ein Leben für das Schöne
“Arno Breker sets standards in the sculptural art — for all time.”
— Martin Heidegger, 1974
Arno Breker is without a doubt the most significant sculptor in the classical tradition in the 20th century. In the representation of the ideal, beautiful human being, no artist of his time has surpassed him. Born in 1900, Breker became the link in the first half of the century between the art of sculpture as it was represented by Auguste Rodin, and the school established by Charles Despiau and Aristide Maillol. A close friend of the latter, and united with them in viewing man as the crowning glory of creation, Arno Breker was the last European sculptor to set standards in his portrayal of man, and in so doing, he achieved an incomparable mastery in his art.
Nevertheless, he — one of the century’s leading representatives of the fine arts — was until his death in 1991 the target of fierce political attacks. Unwaveringly, however, the artist stood by his life and his work and declared his support for his artistic ideal. “It has always been man that I glorified, not an ideology,” said Breker in 1981 in Berlin. At another time the master stated, “I am the sculptor of man, of the triad of the creation of body, mind, and soul.”
As a young artist, Breker lived for a long time in France. He was a European before anyone envisioned a united Europe. The Paris years shaped his supranational views, his tolerance, his sense of justice. Friendships formed at that time withstood all of the upheavals of the century, as did the esteem and respect of foreign artists for the master. In the words of author Roger Peyrefitte, Breker was an “artistic beacon which will shine far into the 21st century.” It is hoped that this book will convey this impression and inspire the younger generation to carry the torch of the art of mankind on into the future.
— Martin Heidegger, 1974
Arno Breker is without a doubt the most significant sculptor in the classical tradition in the 20th century. In the representation of the ideal, beautiful human being, no artist of his time has surpassed him. Born in 1900, Breker became the link in the first half of the century between the art of sculpture as it was represented by Auguste Rodin, and the school established by Charles Despiau and Aristide Maillol. A close friend of the latter, and united with them in viewing man as the crowning glory of creation, Arno Breker was the last European sculptor to set standards in his portrayal of man, and in so doing, he achieved an incomparable mastery in his art.
Nevertheless, he — one of the century’s leading representatives of the fine arts — was until his death in 1991 the target of fierce political attacks. Unwaveringly, however, the artist stood by his life and his work and declared his support for his artistic ideal. “It has always been man that I glorified, not an ideology,” said Breker in 1981 in Berlin. At another time the master stated, “I am the sculptor of man, of the triad of the creation of body, mind, and soul.”
As a young artist, Breker lived for a long time in France. He was a European before anyone envisioned a united Europe. The Paris years shaped his supranational views, his tolerance, his sense of justice. Friendships formed at that time withstood all of the upheavals of the century, as did the esteem and respect of foreign artists for the master. In the words of author Roger Peyrefitte, Breker was an “artistic beacon which will shine far into the 21st century.” It is hoped that this book will convey this impression and inspire the younger generation to carry the torch of the art of mankind on into the future.
- GenresArt
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 2, 2023
I consider myself lucky to own a copy of this book. A breathtaking masterpiece from the beginning to end. There were a couple of missing works... but that's ok :)
PS
Get the Hardcover/ not the paperback. This is a book for forever and you'll want to treasure it alongside the other two sculpture Gods: Michelangelo and Bernini.
PPS
If sculpture is your thing, then you might also consider to purchase another great book (actually in German) - Fritz Klimsch: Eine Dokumentation
Klimsch might not have the aura of Breker, but he is certainly better then Rodin, - whatever you might have heard!
Good luck
PS
Get the Hardcover/ not the paperback. This is a book for forever and you'll want to treasure it alongside the other two sculpture Gods: Michelangelo and Bernini.
PPS
If sculpture is your thing, then you might also consider to purchase another great book (actually in German) - Fritz Klimsch: Eine Dokumentation
Klimsch might not have the aura of Breker, but he is certainly better then Rodin, - whatever you might have heard!
Good luck
Displaying 1 of 1 review