Nineteenth-Century Theories of Art: Volume 24 (California Studies in the History of Art) - Softcover

"An admirable introduction to the period's complicated relationships between art and theory. Avoiding the usual stylistic banners--Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, etc.--Taylor grouped the letters, essays, and lectures into six more general categories, each a response to new artistic freedoms beginning in the last years of the 18th century. . . . Each section is preceded by a thoughtful essay, and each text by a short biography and bibliography. Some texts are fully developed philosophical treatises; others, usually by artists, are sketchy notes. But all are closely linked to the creation and contemplation of actual art. Destined to be a staple."--"Print Collectors Newsletter

This unique and extraordinarily rich collection of writings offers a thematic approach to understanding the various theories of art that illumined the direction of nineteenth-century artists as diverse as Tommaso Minardi and Georges Seurat. It is significant that during the nineteenth century most artists felt compelled to found their artistic practice on a consciously established premise.