Modern Art: Selected Essays

The book focuses on modern artists,including Cézanne, Monet, Matisse, Max Ernst, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Hans Haacke, and Jeff Koons. It includes unpublished lectures and essays, a survey of twentieth-century sculpture, and an examination of the role of authorial predilections in critical writing. The final chapter presents a collection of Steinbergs humorous pieces.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

 
Leo Steinberg, a renowned art historian of the 20th century, is celebrated for his audacious approach, which dared to challenge prevailing orthodoxies within the profession. Through a diverse range of essays and lectures, spanning from ancient masters to contemporary art, Steinberg seamlessly merged scholarly expertise with captivating prose, illuminating his subjects with vivid clarity. His unwavering belief in prioritizing visual evidence over written narratives shaped his writings, often sparking provocative and contentious discussions. Steinberg's insights were honed through extensive and meticulous observation of his chosen objects of study. Nearly every piece he authored incorporated passages of formal analysis, serving as valuable tools for interpretation.

After the successful publication of the series on Pablo Picasso, this volume shifts its focus to explore the works of other prominent modern artists. Among them are Cézanne, Monet, Matisse, Max Ernst, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Hans Haacke, and Jeff Koons. Within these pages, readers will find seven unpublished lectures and essays, including Steinberg's seminal essay "Encounters with Rauschenberg," a comprehensive survey of 20th-century sculpture, and an insightful examination of the influence of personal preferences in critical writing. The concluding chapter presents a delightful collection of Steinberg's humorous pieces, penned solely for his amusement.

Modern Art, a testament to Steinberg's enduring legacy, is meticulously curated and compiled by his long-time associate Sheila Schwartz. This comprehensive collection showcases Steinberg's profound insights and intellectual prowess, making it an essential resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone seeking to delve deeper into the world of art history.

Weight: 1298g
Dimension: 223 x 287 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226824260