From Publishers Weekly
Jacob Epstein (1880-1959) was "the most vilified artist of the century," writes Gardiner. Born on Manhattan's Lower East Side, the magnetic sculptor, who settled in London in 1905, declared war on the ornate and pretty. To the English establishment, Epstein was an "American-Jewish monster," the embodiment of corrupting modern art; his bold works of soaring spirit were vilified out of puritanical zeal and anti-Semitism. Gardiner ( Le Corbusier ), who knew Epstein and his family well, has fashioned a towering, kinetic portrait of a giant of art who nevertheless remains a bit elusive. Epstein's loyalties were divided between his ailing wife Margaret Dunlop, who selflessly devoted herself to him, and his much younger mistress Kathleen Garman. Crazed with jealousy, Margaret shot and wounded Kathleen, but later came to accept her presence. To Gardiner, Epstein is an artist who forged "a supreme vision of the world" framed by the constants of nature, creation, death and the soul's potentiality. Photos.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
From Library Journal
Famed sculptor Jacob Epstein is treated substantively here in this elegant synthesis of biography and art historical examination. As a personal friend of the artist and his family, Gardiner received access to much information about his subject. The author provides a very rich and in-depth portrait of a complicated man; however, the real success of this book is in the steady balance between Epstein's life and art. Epstein's powerful sculptures, both figurative and abstract, evoke their time. He was an important Modernist groundbreaker who would pay dearly for his ideals, but the rewards came as well. An American who retained close ties with the New York art world even after his emigration to England, Epstein endured many personal and artistic struggles. This "meaty" book pays tribute to the artist who was a leader in spite of himself. Recommended for public and academic collections covering modern art.
- Paula A. Baxter, NYPL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
- Paula A. Baxter, NYPL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
