Expressionism (Movements in Modern Art) - Softcover

Behr, Shulamith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521788471 ISBN 13: 9780521788472

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Expressionism was united by a rejection of Impressionism and a search for an inner, essential reality behind the external world of appearances. Nietzsche's writings also inspired Expressionists to emphasize "personal expression" during the creative process that rendered their works jarring, apparently unresolved and distorted. In this accessible introduction to the history of Expressionism, the characteristics of the movement are surveyed less in terms of a cohesive style than from the perspective of the milieu in modern German culture. The works of both well-known and less familiar artists are considered. In particular, the impact of the First World War is examined in light of the Utopian concerns of sculptors, architects, and painters. Expressionism's demise during the 1920s and the Third Reich is traced through to the reemergence of the tradition after the Second World War.

About this title

Book Description:

In this accessible introduction to the history of Expressionism, the characteristics of the movement are surveyed less in terms of a cohesive style than from the perspective of the milieu in modern German culture. The works of both well-known and less familiar artists are considered. In particular, the impact of the First World War is examined in light of the Utopian concerns of sculptors, architects, and painters. Expressionism's demise during the 1920s and the Third Reich is traced through to the reemergence of the tradition after the Second World War.

Review:

"This handy introductory text is a clear and focused account of the diverse range of modernist cultural practice that is normally grouped under the banner of 'Expressionism'." Dorothy Rowe, University of Surrey, Roehampton

"This handy introductory text is a clear and focused account

of the diverse range of modernist cultural practice that is

normally grouped under the banner of 'Expressionism'. Behr

delineates the origins, meanings and historiography of the

term before going on to provide a thematically structured

approach to the art and artists commonly associated with it.

A particular strength of the book is the inclusion of

references to primary material not normally included in introductory texts of this nature as well as an extensive

"...part of an interesting series that has some strengths and weaknesses for school use. It's handy to have art books that are so thin and easy to handle." Kliatt

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0521788471
• ISBN 13: 9780521788472
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 80