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jazzy_dave) wrote2015-10-25 11:44 am
jazzy_dave) wrote2015-10-25 11:44 am
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Book 61 - Timothy Hilton "The Pre-Raphaelites"
Timothy Hilton "The Pre-Raphaelites" (Thames & Hudson World Of Art)
Like most of the World of Art Series, it is an all-round good, accessible scholarly tool for the general interest reader and student alike. It deals with the movement chronologically and thematically, and includes many (mostly black and white and a few colour) illustrations.
Most aspects of the movement are covered, but in my opinion, more could be said about the Pre-Raphaelites' transition towards social realism (For instance, barely a page is devoted to Ford Maddox Brown's 'Work', one of the most richly socio-political paintings of the movement).
Also, Hilton can be quite opinionated, especially on the artist as a social revolutionary: commenting on Holman-Hunt's 'The Awakening Conscience', a very controversial painting dealing with the plight of the mistress, he exclaims 'Who can say that paint which does not have the power to please is not impoverished?'
So apart from these caveats i would still recommend this slightly dated book first before delving deeper into this art period, and then if you do delve more, you will have a solid overview.
Like most of the World of Art Series, it is an all-round good, accessible scholarly tool for the general interest reader and student alike. It deals with the movement chronologically and thematically, and includes many (mostly black and white and a few colour) illustrations.
Most aspects of the movement are covered, but in my opinion, more could be said about the Pre-Raphaelites' transition towards social realism (For instance, barely a page is devoted to Ford Maddox Brown's 'Work', one of the most richly socio-political paintings of the movement).
Also, Hilton can be quite opinionated, especially on the artist as a social revolutionary: commenting on Holman-Hunt's 'The Awakening Conscience', a very controversial painting dealing with the plight of the mistress, he exclaims 'Who can say that paint which does not have the power to please is not impoverished?'
So apart from these caveats i would still recommend this slightly dated book first before delving deeper into this art period, and then if you do delve more, you will have a solid overview.