DOC The Art of Rivalry: Four Friendships; Betrayals; and Breakthroughs in Modern Art by Sebastian Smee in History

Review

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. and I felt like I was on the train privy to Sebastian Smee's ...By Jan L. CollinsThis book was written really well; and most interesting! Right out of the gate it grabbed me. I never knew there was a Degas that Manet messed up; and I felt like I was on the train privy to Sebastian Smee's thoughts about the expectation of seeing a work of art. I never knew much about Bacon and Freud. I think I enjoyed the De Kooning/Pollack portion the best. I found the whole thing very interesting though; the angst involved in trying to push the envelope; and the crushing criticism over the new. To me; you either like it or you don't. You can have a DeKooing that's a woman big and crazy; but then the colors might make you want to eat it; they are so sumptuous. Pollack more interests me from his bad boy brawler personality more than his drip paintings. I found it interesting to read about his family background. Picasso; there is much of his work that gets me. I never ever cared for Les Demoiselles; but then when I stood in front of Seated Bather at MOMA it took my breath away. I LOVE Matisse's work. Degas isn't necessarily my thing; but you can't get away from how great he was. It was interesting his relationship with Manet since he seemed to have a large personality and Degas; he seemed like a real curmudgeon; a drag to be around almost. I thought the writing was fluid; and I enjoyed Smee's opinions; and his vocabulary. I have an extensive art book collection which I pore over from time to time; but with that; I still knew very little about the artists lives; and now; at least as far as these 8 artists go; I feel much better informed!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Artists and their Creative ContextBy L. BrannelArt history--the paintings are put in the context of the life story; the rival's output; and the stage in career development. To me the most important learning was that these gifted artists struggled in life to find a style and/or technique to distinguish their own work and to break into the marketplace with collectors and galleries and the media. One of the best books I've read about artists and their creative development. Highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy zachary kleinA good read though there weren't enough examples of each artists work.