Ruthless Hedonism: The American Reception of Matisse

by John O'Brian

"Oh, do tell the American people that I am a normal man; that I am a devoted husband and father, that I have three fine children, that I go to the theatre." These words were spoken by Matisse just before the Armory Show in 1913--a pivotal moment, after which his work was seen in America as an example of what should be admired or deplored in modern art.

In this ambitious study, John O'Brian argues that Matisse's sober presentations of himself...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226616266
• ISBN13: 9780226616261
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.9" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

A stunning book

This book is a stunner in every way. The story of Matisse's siege on the US artworld is fascinating, full of great vignettes about MOMA, the Cohn sisters, Alfred Barr, Barnes, the American press. Equally impressive is the smart, whimsical design and the gorgeous color plates.