Klip and Corb on the Road: Dual Diaries & Legacies of August Klipstein and Le Corbusier - Eastern Journey

Le Corbusier and his friend August Klipstein undertook a grand tour of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and Italy in 1911. They both kept a diary of their journey and produced many sketches, drawings, watercolors, and photographs. Ivan Zaknic explores the creative symbiosis of their friendship and what they brought back from their trip, including reproductions from both of their diaries and the complete text of Klipstein's diary.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 29 May 2019
\n Publisher: Scheidegger und Spiess AG, Verlag
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In 1911, the renowned architect Le Corbusier embarked on a grand tour of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and Italy alongside his friend August Klipstein, a scholar of art history and renowned art dealer. While Klipstein's primary focus was on conducting research for his doctoral thesis, Le Corbusier's impressions were more immediate, and his mindset more romantic. Both men kept detailed diaries of their journey, documenting their observations and artistic creations. They exchanged sketches, drawings, watercolors, and photographs, often capturing the same motifs and even copying each other's work. While Le Corbusier's record, published in 1966 as Journey to the East, has become a classic, Klipstein's testimony of the expedition remained largely unknown until now.

In his new book, Ivan Zaknic delves into the creative symbiosis of this friendship and the remarkable treasures they brought back from their expedition. The book is lavishly illustrated, featuring reproductions from both of their diaries and the complete text of Klipstein's diary, as well as the lesser-known correspondence between Le Corbusier and Klipstein. Through this comprehensive exploration, the book offers a fresh perspective on this well-known journey, unveiling the personality of Klipstein and presenting lesser-known facets of the young Le Corbusier.

The grand tour of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and Italy marked a pivotal period in the lives of Le Corbusier and Klipstein. It not only broadened their artistic horizons but also deepened their friendship, which would endure for many years. The journey allowed them to immerse themselves in different cultures, explore historic sites, and witness the beauty of nature firsthand. It was a time of inspiration and creativity, as they were exposed to new ideas and perspectives that would shape their artistic careers.

Le Corbusier's diary entries are filled with vivid descriptions of the places they visited, the people they met, and the experiences they had. He captures the essence of each location with his keen eye for detail and his ability to convey the mood and atmosphere of the places he encountered. His sketches and drawings, often done on the spot, are a testament to his artistic talent and his ability to capture the essence of a scene in a few strokes.

Klipstein, on the other hand, approached the journey with a scholarly interest in art history and the preservation of cultural heritage. He conducted extensive research on the art and architecture of the regions they visited, collecting valuable insights and documenting his findings in his diary. His dedication to his research was evident in the depth and breadth of his knowledge, and his contributions to the field of art history have been recognized.

Despite their different approaches to the journey, Le Corbusier and Klipstein shared a deep bond and a mutual respect for each other's artistic talents. They encouraged and supported each other's work, and their friendship became a source of inspiration for both of them. Their creative symbiosis resulted in a body of work that is both remarkable and enduring, and their journey continues to be a source of fascination for art enthusiasts and historians alike.

In conclusion, the grand tour of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and Italy undertaken by Le Corbusier and Klipstein in 1911 was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on their lives and careers. Through their shared love for art and their dedication to exploration, they created a body of work that is both remarkable and enduring. Their friendship, characterized by creativity, support, and mutual respect, continues to inspire and influence artists and scholars to this day.

\n Weight: 1054g\n
Dimension: 176 x 252 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783858818171\n \n