Giorgio Morandi: 1890–1964: Nothing Is More Abstract Than Reality

This is the catalogue for the current Morandi exhibition at the Met in NYC. It basically follows a strict chronology after two introductory essays, one attempting a reassessment of the artist's oeuvre in the light of the many studies that have been carried out in recent years and of his influence on contemporary art (no longer limited to abstraction)and the other dwelling on the visual sources that inspired the painter (Cézanne obviously, but also the Douanier Rousseau, Corot, Chardin to name but a few). These two essays are particularly interesting in that they provide in-depth information on the technique and working process of the artist and also on the somewhat paradoxical recognition of Morandi as a great master in the 1950's, at a time when abstraction was the dominant trend.The book is then divided into five distinct periods, first displaying wonderful commented illustrations of the works pertaining to each period, and then followed by various essays (on the debatable influence of Piero della Francesca, on Morandi's etchings, on the critical reception and the market in Europe and the Americas, on debunking the myth of a reclused closed-off artist, on Morandi's famous saying that "nothing is more abstract than reality"). The book ends with a short text by Umberto Eco describing his discovery of Morandi's art, followed by transcripts of interviews of the artist.This is probably the best artbook I have ordered this year (and I have ordered many!). The text is riveting, the illustrations (more than a hundred still-lifes and a dozen landscapes, all in full color) could not be better and some close-ups even give you the impression of holding the actual painting in your own hands (when I go through my library of some 800 artbooks, I have to disagree with the other reviewer of this book: the illustrations are outstanding).Highly recommended.

This is a substantial collection of works and information about Morandi. The book is a nice addition to my library. There are plenty color plates of Morandi's work and comparisons of his pier and other influencing Influencing artist in his life.

As yet I haven't heard from her.I love Morandi and this looks like a great book.

Gorgeous book!

Great images and a thorough exploration of his work.

Brand new copy in protective wrap. Arrived in excellent condition.

This is big, comprehensive book with a really satisfying number of pictures. Some show Morandi's work next to those by artists who influenced him, which is interesting. There are several long essays that most people will probably not get through. Worth the price anyhow.

I happen to have loved this artist's work for a long time and have collected many books about him. Thia is an excellent treatise which makes me even more excited to visit the Phillips Collection in the Spring (2009) to see more of his work.

This is a marvellous book on Morandi - couldn't ask for more.

A lovely book full of great pictures & info about the artist.

Morandi was a very honest and talented artist and the work is described so well in this book. The book is an encouragement to see the Morandi collection at the Estorick Collection in Canonbury, Islington.

High quality good value publication

Je suis ravi de ce livre. Le format est agréable, la qualité est bonne, l'impression des oeuvres rend homage à cet artiste que j'apprécie particulièrement. C'est le livre que je cherchais depuis longtemps. Je le recommande sans hésitation.