Sister Wendy's American Collection

by Wendy Beckett

Museums, like theaters and libraries, are a means to freedom. Here, we can move out of our personal anxieties and disappointments into the vast and stable world of human creativity. Here are displayed for us-to delight and entertain us-the most beautiful objects that our race ever objects from all cultures and all centuries..To look-as opposed to merely seeing-takes time and concentration. It is most richly rewarded. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Art Institute of chicago, Cleveland Museum of Art, Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Beautiful Color Pictures Throughout.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, Reference, History

Unknown Binding

First published October 24, 2000

About the author

Sister Wendy Beckett was a South African-born British art expert, Roman Catholic nun, and contemplative hermit who became an unlikely celebrity during the 1990s, presenting a series of acclaimed art history documentaries for the BBC.

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not watched this lady's appearances on tv, introducing us to art pieces, but this book does the job pretty well (too). After some difficulty, six American museums were chosen, and from each, beautiful pieces of art. Paintings, statues big and small, poles, heads, altarpieces, writing as art, steles, whole rooms, stained-glass windows... there is so many types to wonder in front of, even in just a book form. From very old to rather recent, modern and traditional, easy to understand and those needing some explanations.

Sister Wendy introduces each museum in general (we also see the picture of the place); then each item with her telling some background and details; sometimes small biographies are included. Although this is not super-thick, you can really feel that the desire for slow savoring every time is a feeling you get after finishing it first perhaps a bit quickly *lol* Some works I already knew, but there were plenty I didn't. A few times certain themes are put close together, which I noticed particularly between Caravaggio's "The Cardsharps" and La Tour's "The Cheat With The Ace Of Clubs" (strangely in the latter case, part of the view is obscured by the painting being laid over two pages - the man on the left side's face doesn't come to view very well - but this is in my opinion the only time when the art piece isn't seen as properly as hoped, for the reader).

You will develop favorites, for sure. XD
A book very much worth owning, for repeated viewings of all the beauty. :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this would be a book about American Artists. Rather it is an overview of American Museums and their collections. After I overcame my initial disappointment, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I know that I now want to go visit the LA museum of art. I also met a couple of new artists. Her whimsical commentary and insight into the art reads like she sounds on her TV show. Clear color photos on each page. Loved it!

[Linda Lipko · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you appreciate art, this is a must read. I was captured by Sister Wendy's writing, by her beautiful descriptions of various works located throughout American museums.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago, got my copy from the Paperback book club.

It was a lovely book, great color illustrations, interesting tidbits of information about each piece.

Alas, I must have sold it off at some point in my life, when I was trying to downsize my book collection, because it is no longer on my bookshelf. That's a pity. I like looking through books like this when I'm too exhausted to read something new or challenging.

[Alejandro Teruel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book by Sister Wendy. The best thing about it is its eclecticism: in the book you will find paintings, sculptures, ceramics, furniture, glazed windows, armor, dresses, netsuke and even a mexican ballgame yoke, a period room and a japanese-style meditation garden.

There are so many kinds of arts, from so many places and this book opens windows and lets fresh air blow into your eyes and your mind.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpectedly refreshing art book. Renowned art commentator Sister (yes, she's a nun!) Wendy Beckett covers a wide array of world art that can be found in six different American art museums. Gorgeous photos and close ups of each unique piece, so it feels as though you're actually right there next to each, studying it up close. It's almost like walking thru these art museums with your own personal (and not overly-verbose) docent.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few art commentators that are so will able to explain art and art history as will Sister Wendy. After reading her book on American collections I would love to visit the American museums of art but as America is such a large country. It would be very expensive to visit them all but perhaps someday if I win the lotto!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful Sister Wendy took me on another art tour. I highly recommend.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Art History and the Sister Wendy books are an interesting, quick read. I find that I more often than I'd like don't agree with some of her interpretations of of the paintings. Some of her "imaginings" of what is going on in the painting seem far-fetched to me. I do, though, always learn a lot and thoroughly enjoy the experience of reading her books.

[Christine Ansorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sister Wendy and own several of her books which I enjoy re-reading. This one I found in perfect shape at a book sale. Anytime I see a Sister Wendy book I grab it. She has a patient, thoughtful approach to art that roams far and wide through genre and discipline.

[Xanath Baudin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bello! Bello!

[Amy in the Desert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview of American art museums

[Peter Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this book, she points out things I would of missed

[Pewterbreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, I love sister wendy--she always has such a prime view on paintings and art! I savored this, and its pictures.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five stars for Sister Wendy's commentary, but loses points for presentation because some of the paintings details are obscured by having them span two pages.

[RF · Rating 4 out of 5]

recommended by a painter friend. very delightful and vivid reading...