Out of the Cage The Art of Isabel Rawsthorne /anglais

A deeply researched and most sympathetic biography of a vibrant and challenging life led in the English and French art world of the of the middle decades of the last century.The author, Dr. Jacobi, is successful in bringing a female artist to life and rescuing her from obscurity, or worse, just being remembered as the inspiration for famous male artists, such as Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Giacometti.While mostly written in clear language aimed at the informed general reader, Dr. Jacobi drifts sometimes into high academic mode when describing and analyzing a number of her subject's works of art.

This is an in-depth biography of an interesting artist who also inspired some of the prominent artist, it also illustrates how female artists have a long way to go to be equals.

I am half-way through this book, but I have grasped enough to come to a conclusion about the high quality of this book. How, one wonders, can Isabel Rawsthorne's contribution to the artistic, cultural and political ferment of the mid twentieth century have gone so little remarked on, other than about her being 'a muse' to various greats? Carol Jacobi combines rigorous scholarship with a keenly sensitive approach to the life and art that demonstrates (not merely asserts) how Rawsthorne was the intellectual equal and creative partner of the artists she worked with, and who worked with her. The book is beautifully produced with several colour reproductions of the art. Rawsthorne's amazing life story and her acknowledged striking looks, which exerted a magnetic hold of many artists, could so easily have been allowed to edge out her keen insights into the nature and challenges of figurative art. That the focus on her achievements is so steady is a tribute to the author's command of her subject. This is no gushing, gossip-filled account of a 'Soho' personality but a must-read for those who want to learn more about how artists grappled with fundamental ideas about technique and meaning as well as the socio-political forces that shaped these.

Isabel Rawsthorne is best known as 'muse' to Epstein, Bacon & Giacometti, plus, through the photos of John Deakin, one of the bohemian Soho set of the 1950s & 1960's.This book fleshes out the details of her fascinating life & relationships. The author also provides a commentry on the difficulties for a woman, without funding, being an artist through the 20th century. The most striking thing is Rawsthornes' commitment to Art, through so many challenges & upheavals...in many ways a very inspiring story.'Out of the Cage' is very well put together, with comprehensive notes & illustrations. At around £20 this is also excellent value!This will remain THE definitive book on Rawsthorne for a long time.

This fascinating and definitive account of Isabel Rawsthorne's artistic and personal life is brilliantly written and absolutely compelling. The account of her "giving away" her baby to the Epsteins and subsequently losing: her home, her professional life, her lover as well as her child is devastating - and she was still only 22. Isabel's life and her art are long overdue the recognition they deserve.

This book is WONDERFUL! It is a reflection of British cultural life in the middle decades of theTwentieth Century. A wonderful read.

Beautifully written, gives a great insight into a neglected artist hitherto mainly seen as a model/muse.