Robert Hughes; who has stunned us with comprehensive works on subjects as sweeping and complex as the history of Australia (The Fatal Shore); the modern art movement (The Shock of the New); the nature of American art (American Visions); and the nature of America itself as seen through its art (The Culture of Complaint); now turns his renowned critical eye to one of art historyrsquo;s most compelling; enigmatic; and important figures; Francisco Joseacute; de Goya y Lucientes. With characteristic critical fervor and sure-eyed insight; Hughes brings us the story of an artist whose life and work bridged the transition from the eighteenth-century reign of the old masters to the early days of the nineteenth-century moderns. With his salient passion for the artist and the art; Hughes brings Goya vividly to life through dazzling analysis of a vast breadth of his work. Building upon the historical evidence that exists; Hughes tracks Goyarsquo;s development; as man and artist; without missing a beat; from the early works commissioned by the Church; through his long; productive; and tempestuous career at court; to the darkly sinister and cryptic work he did at the end of his life. In a work that is at once interpretive biography and cultural epic; Hughes grounds Goya firmly in the context of his time; taking us on a wild romp through Spanish history; from the brutality and easy violence of street life to the fiery terrors of the Holy Inquisition to the grave realities of war; Hughes shows us in vibrant detail the cultural forces that shaped Goyarsquo;s work. Underlying the exhaustive; critical analysis and the rich historical background is Hughesrsquo;s own intimately personal relationship to his subject. This is a book informed not only by lifelong love and study; but by his own recent experiences of mortality and death. As such this is a uniquely moving and human book; with the same relentless and fearless intelligence he has brought to every subject he has ever tackled; Hughes here transcends biography to bring us a rich and fiercely brave book about art and life; love and rage; impotence and death. This is one genius writing at full capacity about anothermdash;and the result is truly spectacular.From the Hardcover edition.
#574154 in eBooks 2012-02-21 2012-02-21File Name: B0068LYGKA
Review
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful picture book of casual living!By poofgirlI received this book as a gift. I read it from cover to cover the first day. Ms. Ashwell demonstrates that flea market finds arent smelly. useless junk but treasures to be unearthed again!I found Shabby Chic useful as a jumping board for my decorating ideas. Lots of style without spending lots of cash- a must for students. newlyweds. young families and others who may be short of cash.This is not a book or design aesthetic for people who tend to favor a "flawless" look to their home.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. ChicBy Professor HOne of the best books from the guru of shabby chic. Full of great ideas and examples on how to turn the old into something timeless and astetically beautiful. While I have all the authors books. it is not really necessary to buy more than one as there is a lot of overlap of information. Good place to start in your shabby chic journey.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Love to read and re-read this bookBy Platinum BrunetteI first read this book at my local public library and. after taking it out. oh. MANY times. decided to buy it. Ive always liked Rachel Ashwells decorating style. and since I live in an old (and. um. somewhat shabby) house. her style motif fits my lifestyle perfectly. All of a sudden. my mismatched china. old linens. chippy furniture and ancient ornaments are fashionable! This is one of those books that I can sit down with from time to time and enjoy the beautiful pictures. Together with "Romantic Prairie Style" and "A Bit of Velvet and a Dash of Lace". these are the decorating books that just make me feel happy.
