Kandinsky and Der Blaue Reiter (German Edition) [German]

By A. Vezin

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: German
• ISBN: 2879390400
• ISBN13: 9782879390406
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Pierre Terrail
• Length: 223 Pages
• Weight: 3.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.5" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A wonderful examination of one of the most influential (single printing) art publications of the 20t

Between December 1911 and May 1912, the Russian Wassily Kandinsky and the German Franz Marc and several of their likeminded friends put together what was to be an ongoing artistic almanac they called "Der Blaue Reiter". However, circumstances only allowed one issue to be published and only two public exhibitions of the artwork. The single publication became wonderfully influential for the rest of the 20th century. World War I not only interrupted the plans for the second edition of the almanac, but with the death of Franz Marc in the war the possibility of continuing "Der Blaue Reiter" perished as well. Still, the ideas that were expressed during those pre-war years and the artwork produced continue to be discussed and admired. Their power to influence remains even if the most direct consequences that flowed from them have already run their course. This very beautiful book is primarily a place to see the art produced for the almanac and in the group of artists of that time. It is NOT a reproduction of the almanac itself, although many of the pieces published are included here. The text is quite informative and helpful. However, the art reproductions are the main thing. However, without the historical context provided by the text, some of the power of the collection is lost. It is a shame that this book is not more readily available.

Kind of Blue

"'Der Blaue Reiter' was neither a school or a movement: it was no more than a brief episode in the history of 20th century art." -- From the IntroductionLed by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, Der Blaue Reiter lasted just a few months between 1911 and 1912 but attracted such brilliant artists as Arp, Braques, Delauney, Feininger, Klee, Larionov, Malevich, Picasso, and others. This work helped establish or influence Abstraction and the Avant-Garde, and drew upon Rousseau's realism, "primitives," folklore, and other currents. In sum, this "episode" was the foundation for much of modern art in the 20th century.The book has 180 illustrations (160 in color), and they are sumptuous: Vibrant, textured, full of movement and bold color. Printed on thick luminous paper, this is an opulent book. However, unlike some so-called "coffee-table" books, the scope is manageable, and the text reads intelligently and without hyperbole. Kandinsky is especially well represented here (showing a variety of his styles), and there is an interesting section on his interests in theater and music. Unfortunately, there is no index, and the text could have been longer, but this is an absolutely beautiful collection of paintings. The book has 223 pages, with photo credits that identify the location of the paintings. Very highly recommended.