As my bookshelf groans under the weight of neglected novels and overdue library books, I find solace in perusing lists of most-anticipated titles. Yet, this month, our editorial team decided to delve into the realm of old art books, uncovering hidden gems that are worth revisiting. With the new year ushering in challenges like wildfires, political transitions, and shifts in the online landscape, it’s a good time to reflect on books that may not be in the limelight but offer profound insights. Here are some old art books that we are rediscovering in the new year, not just for the sake of our bookshelves but for our minds as well.
The Critic as Artist by Oscar Wilde
Long before the age of the internet, Oscar Wilde’s characters Ernest and Gilbert engaged in spirited debates about the relevance of art criticism. In “The Critic as Artist,” Wilde presents a compelling dialogue that is a must-read for both aspiring critics and artists. The book’s riotous and pathos-filled discussions offer timeless insights that are worth revisiting.
Buy on Bookshop | Dodd, Mead and Company, 1891; David Zwirner Books, 2019
Caspar David Friedrich and the Subject of Landscape by Joseph Koerner
Despite my academic days being behind me, Joseph Leo Koerner’s study of Caspar David Friedrich continues to captivate me. With a major exhibition of Friedrich’s work on the horizon at The Met, Koerner’s book offers a deep dive into the artist’s life, influences, and cultural context. What sets this book apart is Koerner’s artistry as a writer, blending precise analysis with engaging prose. It’s a delightful read that sheds new light on Friedrich’s iconic landscapes.
Buy on Bookshop | Yale University Press, 1990
