Thomas Gainsborough (British Artists) - Softcover

Postle, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0691114595 ISBN 13: 9780691114590

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2003

Synopsis

Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), admired for his grand society portraits and sumptuous pastoral landscapes, is the most perennially popular of British artists. In his life as in his art, Gainsborough sought to project an image of effortless accomplishment, demonstrated by a dazzling painting technique and immense personal charm. He was also competitive, opinionated, and financially astute. Because he was among the most innovative and enigmatic artists of his age, the true nature of his achievement is at once greatly appreciated and insufficiently understood.


This illustrated introduction to the artist and his work traces Gainsborough's career from his boyhood in rural Suffolk to the pinnacle of commercial success at the court of George III. Martin Postle examines the tremendous impact on Gainsborough’s career of the Royal Academy and the Court of St. James. Postle also reassesses the artist’s attitudes toward the central aspects of his art: portraiture (which he called his profession) and landscape (which he called his pleasure). While revealing Gainsborough in the light of his own day, this attractive book also highlights the timelessness of his work--the celebrated brushwork, lyrical composition, and almost miraculous use of color.

About this title

About the Author

Martin Postle is a Senior Tate Curator. His publications include Sir Joshua Reynolds and Angels and Urchins.

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691114595
• ISBN 13: 9780691114590
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80