Helpful Score: 1
A synopsis:
Matisse was confined by neither the academy nor the dogma of Neo-Impressionism but was instead rooted in his senses and in the sensuality of paint that is so much the focus of his art. Herrera ( Frida Kahlo: The Paintings , LJ 5/15/92; Mary Frank , Abrams, 1990) tells the story of the much-admired genius in this illustrated critical biography. The author demonstrates Matisse's progression from Fauvism to individual expression, illuminating some significant paintings along the way. She also explores the role of the artist's family in various creations: portraying the relationship with a doubtful but supporting father; examining Matisse's use of his wife and children as art models; and describing some pretty tortured times in France during both world wars. Herrera acknowledges more extensive books by Jack Flam, Lawrence Gowing, Nicholas Watkins, and John Russell, among others, in a bibliographic note; although she is breaking no new ground, comprehensive collections will want this book as a well-chosen window from which to observe the artist.
- Ellen Bates, New York
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Matisse was confined by neither the academy nor the dogma of Neo-Impressionism but was instead rooted in his senses and in the sensuality of paint that is so much the focus of his art. Herrera ( Frida Kahlo: The Paintings , LJ 5/15/92; Mary Frank , Abrams, 1990) tells the story of the much-admired genius in this illustrated critical biography. The author demonstrates Matisse's progression from Fauvism to individual expression, illuminating some significant paintings along the way. She also explores the role of the artist's family in various creations: portraying the relationship with a doubtful but supporting father; examining Matisse's use of his wife and children as art models; and describing some pretty tortured times in France during both world wars. Herrera acknowledges more extensive books by Jack Flam, Lawrence Gowing, Nicholas Watkins, and John Russell, among others, in a bibliographic note; although she is breaking no new ground, comprehensive collections will want this book as a well-chosen window from which to observe the artist.
- Ellen Bates, New York
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
