The Gods Have Spots

Description

Author:

Appleby, David.

Summary:

Part of the “Living History Reference Books Series”. Being embarrassing revelations regarding divers seventeenth century artists. “Pontificating about Highly Complex Theories and saying Very Important Things about Art is nothing new; the seventeenth century also had pompus bores, such as Franceso Albani (1578 – 1660), who took his art very, very seriously and wrote in the third person to convince himself that someone else agreed with him. Painters with real talent, however, such as Frans Hals, tended to have a more down to earth view of their calling, treating it as a job to fitted in between drinking sessions. I hope that the reader will find that whilst academic proprieties have been observed, the book is closer to the lively spirit of Hals than the dead hand of Albani.

The world of seventeenth century art was full of life and drama from the hilarious to the tragic. It is ironic that whilst these men (and women) were drinking, whoring, fighting and grovelling, they still managed to produce standards of craftsmanship which our modern mediocrities can only gawp at. In the generations that have passed since the seventeenth century, many anecdotes featuring famous artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck have been concocted, and even the true episodes have been embroidered with age. However, although respect for historical fact means that many myths have to had to be put to rest, more than enough remain for the reader to savour.

The discerning critic will note with some disappointment that excellent artists of Italy, France and Spain have been given little space in the following pages. Despite their very obvious artistic merits and, even more to the point, their frequently sensational vices, I have yet to give our southern European colleagues the attention they richly deserve. In part penance for the almost complete ommission of his country’s art, this introduction is dedicated to Benvenuto Cellini (1500 – 1571) (because if you think I’m bad you should read his modest offering!) The rest of the book is dedicated to an excellent artist, writer and friend by the name of Ric Scollins. His wry comments, ribald conversation and expertise on interesting seventeenth century diseases are sadly missed Hopefully a copy of this will find its way up to him and send a wicked laugh through the heavenly clouds.”

Further details:

Softcover: 28 pages.
Language: English
Illustrations:
ISBN-13: 1858040167
Product Dimensions: 21.0 x 15.0 x 0.5 cm

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