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The Shock of the New: A Journey Through the History of Art and Ideas

John Grisham

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Published in The Shock Of The New: The Hundred=Year History Of Modern Art

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Robert Hughes's The Shock of the New is a groundbreaking book that explores the history of art and ideas from the Renaissance to the present day. Hughes argues that the history of art is not a linear progression, but rather a series of shocks and disruptions, as new ideas and technologies challenge the status quo.

The book is divided into six parts, each of which focuses on a different period in the history of art. The first part, "The Renaissance," begins with the birth of humanism in Italy and the rediscovery of classical art. Hughes shows how the Renaissance artists broke away from the medieval tradition and began to explore new ways of representing the world.

The Shock of the New: The Hundred=Year History of Modern Art

by Robert Hughes

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	58144 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	734 pages

The second part, "The Baroque," focuses on the period from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Hughes argues that the Baroque was a time of great artistic innovation, in which artists such as Caravaggio and Bernini pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in art.

The third part, "The Enlightenment," covers the period from the 18th to the 19th centuries. Hughes shows how the Enlightenment led to a new emphasis on reason and logic in art, and how artists such as Jacques-Louis David and Ingres sought to create art that would inspire and educate.

The fourth part, "The Romantics," focuses on the period from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. Hughes argues that the Romantics were a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and logic, and that they sought to create art that would express their emotions and imagination.

The fifth part, "The Realists," focuses on the period from the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries. Hughes shows how the Realists rejected the Romantics' emphasis on emotion and imagination, and instead sought to create art that would depict the world as it really was.

The sixth and final part, "The Modernists," focuses on the period from the early 20th century to the present day. Hughes argues that the Modernists were a reaction against the Realists' emphasis on objectivity, and that they sought to create art that would express their subjective experiences of the world.

The Shock of the New is a brilliant and thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on the history of art. Hughes's writing is clear and engaging, and he is able to make complex ideas accessible to a general audience. The book is filled with stunning illustrations, and it is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of art.

Review

"The Shock of the New is a masterpiece of art criticism. Robert Hughes is one of the most brilliant and insightful writers on art today, and this book is his magnum opus. Hughes takes us on a journey through the history of art, from the Renaissance to the present day, and he shows us how art has always been a reflection of the times in which it was created. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in art or history." - The New York Times

"The Shock of the New is a sweeping and ambitious work that offers a new perspective on the history of art. Hughes is a brilliant writer, and he has a gift for making complex ideas accessible to a general audience. This book is a masterpiece of art criticism, and it is an essential read for anyone interested in art or history." - The Washington Post

"The Shock of the New is a must-read for anyone interested in art or history. Hughes's writing is clear and engaging, and he is able to make complex ideas accessible to a general audience. The book is filled with stunning illustrations, and it is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of art." - The Guardian

The Shock of the New: The Hundred=Year History of Modern Art

by Robert Hughes

4.6 out of 5