The Birth of Impressionism is the catalogue for the show of the same name on view at the de Young Museum until September 6th. Exhibit catalogues can be an iffy proposition. Some are just expensive picture books, others have pedantic essays, but this one strikes the right balance–interesting essays interspersed with the relevant pictures. Even without visiting the exhibit, this book is a worthwhile exploration of the roots of modern art.
It can be difficult for some to understand what was truly revolutionary about Impressionism. Looking back from Pop Art to Abstract Expressionism to Surrealism, by the time our eyes land on Impressionism, what’s the big deal? The Birth of Impressionism grounds the reader in the 1860s art world describing the Salon monopoly and the popular art of the time. The first section includes four essays on the accepted art of the time: realism, soft porn nudity sold as classicism, grand history painting, and Orientalism.
The catalogue and the show set up Manet as the turning point from the conservative art to modern art. The essay entitled “Manet: Innovation and Innovation” nails his pivotal role as an artist who wanted to succeed in the Salon world but opened the door to displaying modern life in a manner that loosened the restrictions of formal painting. The catalogue doesn’t limit itself to the paintings in the exhibition. Especially with Manet, it is important to show his development with such works as “Luncheon in the Grass,” “Olympia,” and “The Dead Toreador” none of which are in the show but the book discusses in the context of his career. The third section of the catalogue, entitled Impressionism and the New Painting shows how Read the rest of this entry »
Claire
Kim
