Synopses & Reviews
From Sargent, Modigliani, and Picasso to Freud, Bacon, and Warhol,
Painting the Century celebrates the extraordinary revolution in portrait painting throughout the twentieth century. Covering both European and American art, this remarkable reference examines the constantly changing styles, formats, and attitudes that shaped portraiture during the last 100 years.
This guide features 101 portraits including cultural icons and some of the most important works of art from the last century all presented chronologically to form a unique overview of portrait painting from 1900 to 2000. Enthralling text written by the chief curator of Britain's prestigious National Portrait provides fascinating insight into each painting's cultural and historic significance. Also included are timelines showing the main social, political, and cultural events of each decade.
Packed with dozens of beautiful, full-color reproductions, Painting the Century is a landmark reference for anyone who wants to gain an appreciation of magnificent art from a modern century.
Featured artists include:
- Pablo Picasso
- Lucien Freud
- John Singer Sargent
- Jean Dubeffet
- Andy Warhol
- Salvador Dali
- Francis Bacon
- David Hockney
- Enrico Modigliani
- Chuck Close
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Cindy Sherman
- Edvard Munch
About the Author
Robin Gibson is Chief Curator at the National Portrait Gallery in London. His previous publications include books on the photographer Madame Yevonde, the Sitwells, and twentieth-century and contemporary portraiture.