Nineteenth-Century European Art: A Topical Dictionary

From Booklist This alphabetically arranged topical dictionary, containing approximately 750 entries, is a selective survey "of the major art movements, works of art (notably in painting and sculpture), art themes, people, and events of the period from 1789 to 1914." It also covers European historical developments that "impinged on the art community." The author, a professor of art history, has produced a highly readable text for college and university students.Entries range in length from a sentence (calligraphic line, eclecticism, engraving) to two pages (music, theme of; Renoir, Pierre-Auguste). Each entry on a work of art contains its date and current location, a description of the work, and the context in which it was created. Asterisks are used to direct readers to other related entries in the dictionary, and there are numerous see references. Following entries in which specific artists, artworks, or art movements are mentioned, examples of artworks are given, with sources, set off in parentheses, where pertinent illustrations can be found. These references are specific and detailed, employing either page number, figure number, or color plate number, depending upon which designation is used in the source work. An approximately 125-entry bibliography and a detailed index conclude the volume. More specific and narrower in scope than the authoritative Oxford Dictionary of Art [RBB O 1 97],this succinctly written, cleanly laid out dictionary gives concise information, clear definitions, and precise, useful references for in-depth research. Recommended for academic and large public library collections. Product Description Major art movements and artists of nineteenth-century Europe, from the French Revolution to World War I, are presented alphabetically in a dictionary format. Artists and art movements are integrated within the politics and culture of the times. An examination of the prominent authors, politicians, rulers, writers, and musicians, who often posed for artists provides an historical background against which to study these famous, obscure, traditional, and avant-garde artists. Entries include the artists' models, many of whom became romantically involved with the artists, and the artworks in which the models appear. This focus on the European continent, rather than on one specific country, surveys the interconnected influences and politics that pervaded the lives of the artists during this age when Europe was powerful culturally and politically, and helps to explain the various art movements, such as the Neo-Classical, Romantic, Realist, Impressionist, Fauvist, Cubist, Expressionist, and Abstract, that consequently evolved.Art history scholars, artists, and anyone with an interest in European art and politics will appreciate the organization and detail of this comprehensive volume. The alphabetical entries, coupled with straightforward and accessible writing, make this reference both informative and engaging. As a research tool, entries are cross-referenced, and a bibliography provides a useful guide to further research. Review .,."very informative exposition..."-GaleGroup.com"A highly readable text for college and university students....Each entry on a work of art contains its date and current location, a description of the work, and the context in which it was created....An approximately 125-entry bibliography and a detailed index conclude the volume....[T]his succinctly written, cleanly laid out dictionary gives concise information, clear definitions, and precise, useful references for in-depth research. Recommended for academic and large public library collections."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin?A highly readable text for college and university students....Each entry on a work of art contains its date and current location, a description of the work, and the context in which it was created....An approximately 125-entry bibliography and a detailed index conclude the volume....[T]his