Robert Motherwell: The Complete Prints 1940-1991: A Catalogue Raisonne FROM THE PUBLISHER
Robert Motherwell: The Complete Prints 1940-1991 presents for the first time a definitive catalogue raisonne of this aspect of the artist's work, documenting more than 500 editions with all new research, photography, and commentary, and incorporating previously uncatalogued material. In addition, the book includes an essay on Motherwell's printmaking history, an illustrated chronology, a comprehensive bibliography and exhibition history, and a concordance with past catalogues. Supplanting earlier publications as the standard reference on Motherwell's editioned work, this book is an invaluable resource for scholars, collectors, and general enthusiasts of an artist who made an indelible impression on the history of twentieth-century printmaking.
FROM THE CRITICS
Robert Loos - The New York Times
By the time of his death, Motherwell had created more than 500 editions, whose boldness and brio are beautifully reproduced in this, the first definitive catalogue raisonne of his prints.
Library Journal
Though quite different in scope and intention, these books indicate the continued importance of Robert Motherwell (1915-91) to the 20th-century art canon. Both leading scholars of the American abstract expressionist painter, Engberg (Walker Art Ctr., Minneapolis) and Banach (Dedalus Foundation, established at Motherwell's death to support his artistic legacy) present the catalogue raisonn with careful, high-quality scholarship. They correct inaccuracies in earlier catalogs (e.g., Stephanie Terenzio and Dorothy C. Belknap's The Prints of Robert Motherwell: A Catalogue Raisonn , 1943-1990) and update the earlier works with complete listings of Motherwell's more than 500 editions. Also offered is an essay on Motherwell's contributions to printmaking, illustrated chronology, exhibition history, and concordance with past catalogs. In contrast, Caws (comparative literature, English & French, CUNY) puts forth a book-length essay about the meaning of Motherwell's art and its relationship to both American and European thought, especially surrealist thought. Similar to her Robert Motherwell: What Art Holds (1996), which also features essays about the meaning of Motherwell's art, her latest includes many excerpts and quotations from Motherwell's own writings and interviews. Unfortunately, Caws also carries over her idiosyncratic and sometimes difficult prose; the few who can decipher it, however, will find it rewarding. Whereas the catalogue raisonn will be useful to museums and scholarly collections, Caws's book is not an essential acquisition for any but the most specialized collections.-Kathryn Wekselman, MLn, Cincinnati Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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