Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West (Volume 30) (The Charles M. Russell Center Series on Art and Photography of the American West)
$65.00
Description
Book Synopsis: As one of America's most prominent nineteenth-century painters, Albert Bierstadt (1830–1902) is justly renowned for his majestic paintings of the western landscape. Yet Bierstadt was also a painter of history, and his figural works, replete with images of Plains Indians and the American bison, are an important part of his legacy as well. This splendid full-color volume highlights his achievements in chronicling a rapidly changing American West.
Born in Germany, Bierstadt rose to prominence as an American artist in the late 1850s and enjoyed nearly two decades of critical success. His paintings propelled him to the forefront of the American art scene, but they also met with reproach from his peers and critics in the press who viewed his painting style as outmoded. Bierstadt's star has both risen and fallen as modern art historians have reconsidered his complex oeuvre. This volume takes a major step in reappraising Bierstadt's contributions by reexamining the artist through a new lens. It shows how Bierstadt conveyed moral messages through his paintings, often to preserve the dignity of Native peoples and call attention to the tragic slaughter of the American bison.
More broadly, the book reconsiders the artist's engagement with contemporary political and social debates surrounding wildlife conservation in America, the creation and perpetuation of national parks, and the prospects for the West's indigenous peoples. Bierstadt's final history paintings, including his dual masterworks titled The Last of the Buffalo—a special focus of this volume—stand out as elegiac odes to an earlier era, giving voice to concerns about the intertwined fates of Native peoples and endangered wildlife, especially bison. Along with its rich sampling of Bierstadt's diverse artwork, Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West features informative essays by noted curators, scholars of art history, and historians of the American West.
Details
In the world of American art, no name shines brighter than that of Albert Bierstadt. His breathtaking paintings of the western landscape have captivated audiences for generations. But did you know that there's more to Bierstadt's legacy than just majestic landscapes? Brace yourself, because Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West (Volume 30) will take you on a journey through his lesser-known figural works, exposing a new side of this artistic genius.
From the sweeping plains to the mighty American bison, Bierstadt's paintings showcase the rich tapestry of the American West. This outstanding full-color volume delves into his efforts to chronicle a rapidly changing era, offering a fresh perspective on the history of our nation. Born in Germany but truly an American artist, Bierstadt defied the odds and carved out a prominent place in the art scene of the late 1800s.
While Bierstadt’s popularity soared, some critics dismissed his paintings as outdated. But here's where the true beauty lies. The complex oeuvre of Albert Bierstadt is finally being appreciated by modern art historians who recognize the moral messages woven into his canvases. Through his art, Bierstadt sought to preserve the dignity of Native peoples, shedding a light on the tragic slaughter of the American bison.
Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West unravels the layers of Bierstadt's engagement with wildlife conservation, national parks, and the indigenous peoples of the West. In this volume, his final history paintings, including the dual masterpieces titled The Last of the Buffalo, take center stage. They serve as powerful odes to a bygone era, reminding us of the intertwined fates of Native peoples and endangered wildlife, particularly the bison.
This remarkable book doesn't stop at showcasing Bierstadt's stunning artwork. It features enlightening essays from esteemed curators, scholars of art history, and historians of the American West. Their insights will give you a deeper understanding of the significance of Bierstadt's contributions and the broader socio-political context in which he painted.
Are you ready to embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes, history, and morals of Albert Bierstadt? Witness a Changing West like never before with this exceptional volume. Experience the beauty, tragedy, and legacy of one of America's greatest artists. Embrace the opportunity and order your copy of Albert Bierstadt: Witness to a Changing West today.Order now!
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