One of the most brilliant and original artists of the eighteenth century; Antoine Watteau had an impact on the development of Rococo art in France and throughout Europe lasting well beyond his lifetime. Living only thirty-six years; Watteau nonetheless rose from an obscure provincial background to achieve fame in the French capital. He clearly had a genuine love of music. His drawings of those playing and listening offer uncanny portraits of the way it can heighten emotions. Equally; the play of light he orchestrates on fine fabrics; on childrenrsquo;s skin or on various elements of his landscapes; provides a startling anticipation of the Impressionists. He is the inventor of la fecirc;te galante; a genre that shows the bourgeoisie at play outdoors. Many of the models were Watteaursquo;s own friends: Parisian actors and musicians he often drew. His drawing ability remains spectacular. But even more startling is his modernity.
#1239111 in eBooks 2016-01-29 2016-01-29File Name: B01B8TCPSQ
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Does Bali a real justice after too many other books on self-absorbed fluffBy IndophileA delightful read of a place where I also live. When so many mediocre books have been coming out about the beauties of every kind of Indonesian art and cultural practice (written by people with no real idea of what their talking about or describing narcissistic New Age quests for paradise)--this book has something meaningful to say. I enjoyed it immensely. Its full of life.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Sampih and other dancers from "A House in Bali"By Donald E. GillilandIf you enjoyed reading "A House in Bali;" Colin McPhees classic account of Bali in the 1930s; you will also want to read this memoir by John Coast; detailing his own adventures in Bali in the early 1950s; culminating in a grand tour with the "Dancers of Bali" to Europe and the US.Like McPhees book; Coasts "Dancing Out of Bali" offers the reader an illuminating look at traditional life in Bali ... some sixty years ago. But there are other threads that connect the two books; namely the people involved in the local dance scene such as Sampih; Mario; and Ida Bagus Boda. Coasts accounts of his conversations and adventures with the locals --- especially those involved in the unique Balinese dance scene --- is both funny and fascinating. Its also interesting to read about the headaches; diplomacy; and politics involved in getting permission for the dancers to tour overseas; and then the extra maze of details involved with organizing the shows; plus housing; transporting; and feeding such a large troupe overseas. Once I started reading the book; it was one of those that was difficult to put down. Coast is both a descriptive writer and an empathetic one; and his love for Bali and its people is evident on every page.Id love to read more about John Coasts life after this books ends with the "Dancers of Bali" tour in 1953 (sadly; the lead male dancer; Sampih; was murdered back in Bali the following year). Apparently; this was only the beginning of a long and varied career for Coast in the entertainment business. According to the bio in the book; Coast went on to make films for BBC and became a leading figure in international performing arts as impresario and manager to many well-known artists; including Luciano Pavorotti. But these early years in Bali were clearly formative ones for him; and magical ones as well. A truly fascinating book.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. OK readBy danny boyIn this book; John Coast wrote about his personal efforts on a project to bring out a Balinese dancing troupe to Europe and the States around the time of Indonesias new found independence. However his description of specific people and events are quite revealing.There are two negative aspects of this book which detract from its purpose to tell a simple but great story. Firstly; Coast may not have realized it but his overtly paternalistic writing depicts the Balinese and Javanese as lacking in exposure and maturity. His attempt to create Balinese conversational speak with the non-vulgar "Beh!" expletive before every sentence indirectly ridicules the Balinese capacity for dialogue. The Balinese are also depicted as evasive and incompetent. His examples of their non-commital statements; inability to finish building his house is given here. Similarly; the Javanese are depicted as manipulative; always ready to subvert Coasts intentions with their own agendas. On the other hand; the Americans and Europeans are depicted as internationally-savvy folks. This may be because by default; they are; being well-heeled tourists and playwrights who pass through Bali on a tropical holiday. However; when contrasted with the treatment given to the Indonesians; Coast has inadvertently created a colonial divide between the twain.The second point is that the text meanders all over. There are truly great and interesting events which makes sense to be told here and some pedantic non-incidents which; in my opinion; should not have been included.As it is; there are telling insights into Javanese and Balinese mores and customs. The best bits are the artistic events; involving some of the legendary figures in Balinese dancing and performance art; such as Mario I Ketut; who created the Kebyar Duduk dance; and Gusti Raka; the star of this book.There are some great pictures and the story does paint a vivid impression of Bali during its tourism heyday and its time of great artistic achievement and innovation.Note that in this edition; some pages have been transposed towards the end. This creates some ambiguity on the chronology of the events.
