Matisse's graphic work has long been overshadowed by his painting. To correct the situation, Hahnloser explores the artist's methods and achievements in the graphic arts through use of 100 representative prints. As her narrative grows into a subtle, steady overview of Matisse's use of graphic media, we see that emotion played a large role in his subject matter and that the models, still lifes, and sparsely drawn portraits display unique creative tensions. Matisse's own statements about his technical aims are included where relevant. A thoughtful book enhanced by a complete lack of art historical jargon. Matisse: A Retrospective is a natural progression from scholar Flam's substantive Matisse: The Man and His Art ( LJ 9/1/86). This new book gathers writings by the artist and otherscollectors, critics, art historians, and contemporariesinto chronological sections on significant periods in the artist's life. The accounts of private and public reactions to Matisse underscore his importance to modern art while the choice of documentary essays builds a multifaceted portrait of the artist. The juxtaposition of selected writings are valuable in themselves, but the book also contains evaluative reference material of use to scholars and students. -- amazon.com
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