The Art of the Pastel traces the evolution of this most appealing
medium from the fifteenth to the early twentieth century--from its
humble origins as a tool for sketching to the height of its popularity
in Rococo portraiture, and its embrace by the Impressionists and
Symbolists. Authors Thea Burns and Philippe Saunier, both leading
experts on the subject, shed new light on the acknowledged masters of
the pastel, such as Maurice Quentin de la Tour and Jean-Etienne Liotard,
who used these magical sticks of color to capture the character of their
sitters; Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt, who used them to reveal the
unexpected beauties of the everyday; and Odilon Redon, who used them to
explore the inner mysteries of the spirit. But Burns and Saunier
consider the pastel work of many other artists as well, from
forgotten--yet pleasing--society portraitists to such important names as
Delacroix, Whistler, and Picasso.
As a rare achievement, their graceful yet authoritative text is matched
by the color plates in this volume, which reproduce the harmoniously
blended hues of more than 330 choice pastels, from collections around
the world. For reasons of conservation, most of these works are
exhibited only rarely, and then only in low light. Now they can be
admired all together, without interruption, in this museum between two
covers.
A delight for the eyes as well as an important work of art history, The
Art of the Pastel will be eagerly welcomed by artists, scholars, and
art lovers alike.
