Imagined Realism: Scott and Stuart Gentling

The Gentling brothers were influential twentieth-century Fort Worth artists who created landscapes, portraits, historical studies, and natural history illustrations. This book features 290 images, five essays, and analyses of their artistic process, career, and lives, establishing their place within the canon of American art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

This is the first major publication on the art and lives of twentieth-century Fort Worth artists Scott (1942–2011) and Stuart (1942–2006) Gentling. Prolific modern-day Renaissance men, the brothers created an extensive body of landscapes; portraits of regional and national luminaries; historical studies ranging from a visual reconstruction of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan to subjects drawn from the French and American Revolutions; and natural history illustrations of the flora and fauna of Texas. Realist painters, they drew inspiration from past masters such as Jacques-Louis David and John James Audubon, and they corresponded and collaborated with contemporaries such as Andrew Wyeth and Ed Ruscha. The Gentling brothers place within the canon of twentieth-century American art is established here. Along with 290 images, including 120 plates, the book includes five essays, two by scholars Erika Doss of the University of Notre Dame and Barbara Mundy of Fordham University; a trio of Carter museum curators provide deep analyses of the Gentlings artistic process, the output of their fifty-year career, and a chronology of their lives; plus several brief and incisive takes on specific aspects of the brothers multifaceted art and lives are featured throughout.

Introduction:
The Gentling brothers, Scott and Stuart, were two of the most influential artists of the twentieth century in Fort Worth, Texas. Their prolific careers spanned over five decades, during which they created an extensive body of work that encompassed landscapes, portraits, historical studies, and natural history illustrations. This publication, the first major study of their art and lives, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their contributions to American art.

Artistic Style:
Scott and Stuart Gentling were known for their realistic painting style, which drew inspiration from past masters such as Jacques-Louis David and John James Audubon. They were particularly skilled in capturing the beauty of nature and the human form, and their works often depicted the landscapes and people of Texas. Their paintings were characterized by their attention to detail and their use of light and color to create a sense of realism and depth.

Portraits:
One of the most notable aspects of the Gentling brothers' art was their portraiture. They created portraits of regional and national luminaries, including politicians, artists, and business leaders. Their portraits were not only accurate but also captured the personality and character of their subjects. They were able to convey a sense of intimacy and warmth in their portraits, which made them stand out from other artists of their time.

Historical Studies:
In addition to portraiture, the Gentling brothers also created historical studies that ranged from a visual reconstruction of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan to subjects drawn from the French and American Revolutions. Their historical studies were not only visually stunning but also informative and educational. They were able to convey a sense of history and context in their works, which made them valuable to scholars and historians.

Natural History Illustrations:
Another significant aspect of the Gentling brothers' art was their natural history illustrations. They were particularly interested in the flora and fauna of Texas, and their illustrations were used in textbooks and scientific publications. Their illustrations were not only accurate but also visually appealing, and they helped to promote an appreciation for the natural world.

Legacy:
The Gentling brothers' place within the canon of twentieth-century American art is established here. Their extensive body of work, which includes over 290 images and five essays, provides a deep insight into their artistic process and their contributions to American art. This publication will be valuable to scholars, artists, and anyone interested in the history of art in the United States.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Gentling brothers were two of the most influential artists of the twentieth century in Fort Worth, Texas. Their realistic painting style, portraiture, historical studies, and natural history illustrations were all characterized by their attention to detail and their ability to capture the beauty of nature and the human form. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today, and their place within the canon of twentieth-century American art is secure.

Dimension: 324 x 254 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477323762