Synopses & Reviews
The articulated human figure made of wax or wood has been a common tool in artistic practice since the 16th century. Its mobile limbs enable the artist to study anatomical proportion, fix a pose at will, and perfect the depiction of drapery and clothing. Over the course of the 19th century, the mannequin gradually emerged from the studio to become the artistand#8217;s subject, at first humorously, then in more complicated ways, playing on the unnerving psychological presence of a figure that was realistic, yet unrealand#151;lifelike, yet lifeless.
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Silent Partners locates the artistand#8217;s mannequin within the context of an expanding universe of effigies, avatars, dolls, and shop window dummies. Generously illustrated, this book features works by such artists as Poussin, Gainsborough, Degas, Courbet, Cand#233;zanne, Kokoschka, Daland#237;, Man Ray, and others; the astute, perceptive text examines their range of responses to the uncanny and highly suggestive potential of the mannequin.
Review
andlsquo;[A] fascinating and scholarly new book. . . Jane Munro introduces this book by saying her aim is and#39;to give the artistandrsquo;s andlsquo;silentandrsquo; partner a voiceand#39;. She certainly succeeds, as well as providing enough rich, often disturbing, material for contemplation in a world where the allure of androids and avatars is only increasing.andrsquo;andmdash;Marcus Field, Art Quarterly
Synopsis
A riveting account of the myriad transformations of the artistand#8217;s mannequin which play on the unnerving psychological presence of a mobile figure that is lifelike, yet lifeless.
About the Author
Jane Munro is a curator in the Department of Paintings, Drawings and Prints at the Fitzwilliam Museum and director of studies in history of art at Christand#8217;s College at the University of Cambridge.and#160;