Magnificent and superlative beyond any criticism
Truly the finest volume [at least in English] on the subject of watercolors/drawings in the German-speaking lands during the period 1760-1850, based on the Winterstein Collection in Munich. Breathtaking reproductions of the extraordinary delicacy and subtlety of this art, the drawings much resembling the fine silverpoints of the Renaissance, many on exquisitely tinted papers --- this refined and spiritual art is finally revealed to be almost the diametric opposite of the high 'romantic' English school. This is surprising because, after all, how can media of such limited range, in the hands of contemporaneous northern European artists, be so different in ethos? The answer: the cultural, religious and philosophical backgrounds of England and German reveal stunningly distinct roots --- though, of course,the aspiration to create art is equally manifest in both civilizations. It is sobering to think that within 60 years of the end of this period, the countries that nurtured this humanistic aesthetic collided in the catastrophe that defined the tragedy of our century. A treasurable gem and kudos to all parties involved, including Harvard and Prestel publishers.
Delicacy and precision
German artists are not so well know outside the US as are the French or English. But the German visual arts tradition is quite strong and worth knowing about. Menzel in particular was the titan in the 19th Century Berlin art world.
The German school of watercolor was more delicate (rather like the French) and less expressionist than the English (though Cotman and others did not follow Turner in his misty ways.) The precision and delicacy of these works is amazing--this is a fine collection of lesser known works especially in the US, where the German artists are less well known. A beautiful book.
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