Art of the Extreme 1905-1914

Hardback

Main Details

Title Art of the Extreme 1905-1914
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Philip Hook
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:432
Dimensions(mm): Height 238,Width 158
Category/GenreArt History
Art and design styles - c 1900 to c 1960
Art and design styles - Cubism
ISBN/Barcode 9781788161855
ClassificationsDewey:709.04
Audience
General
Edition Main
Illustrations integrated

Publishing Details

Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Imprint Profile Books Ltd
Publication Date 30 September 2021
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The decade leading up to the First World War was the most exciting, frenzied and revolutionary in the history of art. This was the crucible of Modernism, when Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism and Abstract Art all developed in quick succession. There were phenomenal new innovations in avant-garde painting and sculpture, above all in Paris where a community of artists, critics and collectors was flourishing. But all Europe was caught up in this exciting revolution from Moscow to London. Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Kandinsky, Malevich, Klimt and Schiele all came to prominence during this period, though few understood their genius. Although extraordinary new works were being created, conventional art still continued to be produced and widely appreciated. Exhibitions - of old masters and of new art - were held to huge public interest, shock and horror. The styles made popular in the nineteenth century held sway and many people's tastes remained conservative. 1905-1914 saw the biggest boom in prices for old masters ever in history, while most of the avant-garde lived like paupers in garrets. This was a unique generation, when painting and sculpture changed faster and more dramatically than the Renaissance. Here Sotheby's art expert Philip Hook explains how it took less than a decade for everything to change.

Author Biography

Philip Hook was, until recently, Director of Impressionist & Modern Art at Sotheby's in London. He also worked at Christie's in the 19th Century Paintings Department. He has appeared regularly on Antiques Roadshow and is the author of five novels and many books on the art world, including Breakfast at Sotheby's (2013) and Rogues' Gallery (2017).

Reviews

'Praise for Rogue's Gallery Hook...writes suavely and racily ... has a fabulous ear for anecdotes ... his entertaining book has a Wodehousian tone that makes even the most heinous act it describes glint with comedy' - Waldemar Januszczak 'Fascinating and elegantly written...both wise and timely' - William Boyd 'Wonderfully entertaining ... full of cracking stories' - Hannah Rothschild 'Fascinating ... Hook writes with honesty and wry detachment' - Robert Eustace 'A pleasure to read' - Michael Prodger