The Artist's Studio: A Cultural History

A TIMES BEST ART BOOK OF 2022, "The Artists Studio" is a captivating narrative and visual history of the artists studio, exploring the myth and reality of the creative space from ancient times to the present. It highlights the contributions of artisans and craftspeople who collaborated with artists and addresses the historical imbalance that has overlooked their contributions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

An enthralling narrative and comprehensive visual history of the artist's studio, delving into the myth and reality of this creative space from ancient times to the present. The artist's workplace has always been a multifaceted entity, encompassing both an imagined and physical realm, serving as both an idealized utopia and a realm of arduous and laborious work. The written accounts, paintings, prints, and photographs of artists' studios often distort as much as they document, reflecting the subjective perspectives and artistic interpretations of the time. This groundbreaking cultural history spans a vast expanse, tracing the evolution of the studio space beyond the bohemian, romantic, and Renaissance cults of artists. Each chapter focuses on significant developments in studio spaces, presented through a diverse range of familiar and unfamiliar images. The narrative encompasses mythical and divine makers, as well as amateur artists, craftspeople, and professionals such as metalworkers, woodworkers, potters, illuminators, weavers, embroiderers, and architects. Each carefully selected example is contextualized within a cultural and political framework, aimed at rectifying the historical imbalance that has overlooked the contributions of countless artisans who collaborated with artists. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the artists' museum, artists' houses, plein air painting, and the development of portable studios, providing a holistic perspective on the evolution of this creative space.

Weight: 1016g
Dimension: 176 x 249 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500021712