Barnett Newman: A Catalogue Raisonne

by Carol Mancusi-Ungaro, Heidi Colsman-Freyberger, Richard Shiff

A magisterial presentation of all the works of Barnett Newman, along with fascinating new insights into his artistic achievement Barnett Newman (1905-1970), one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century, has captivated critics, scholars, and the general public for decades. This highly anticipated catalogue raisonn presents Newman's entire oeuvre--paintings, drawings, sculpture, graphics, an architectural model, lost and unfinished works, and ephemera--in one stunning and definitive volume. Featured elements include color reproductions of unparalleled quality; extensive provenance, exhibition, and publication histories; and a listing of the contents of the artist's library at the time of his death. In addition to the catalogue raisonn prepared by Heidi Colsman-Freyberger, the book offers revelatory essays on the artist, his career, and his working methods and features fascinating photographs of Newman, his studios, and his installations. Richard Shiff draws on new documentation to explain why Newman chose to create abstract art, how he achieved "fullness" in his paintings, and how his works exemplify the social functions of an artist. Carol C. Mancusi-Ungaro reveals extraordinary details about Newman's studio practice and materials and techniques, information not available to the public before because Newman only allowed his wife to observe him at work. Mancusi-Ungaro also discusses the fate of works that were damaged while traveling to exhibitions or by vandals. Produced and designed to the highest possible standards, this magnificent catalogue raisonn is a critical purchase for anyone interested in twentieth-century art.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300101678
• ISBN13: 9780300101676
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Other Distribution
• Length: 653 Pages
• Weight: 12.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.5" x 10.5" x 12.5"

Customer Reviews

The next best thing to owning an actual Newman

This is a tour de force of an art book. The entire output of the artist is reproduced in full color, with a complete provenance listing including the current owner (when known). The book also starts with two brilliant essays by Richard Schiff (on the artist's ideas on art, on his attitude towards modern art movements, on the influence of the past on his art) and by Carol Mancusi-Ungaro (more centered on the artist's technique and creative process). One of the most sumptuous and best informed artbooks I own.

What every catalogue raisonne should look like.

The most surprising thing about Newman's output is how non-prolific he was,118 works on canvas in 25 years.Every painting is reproduced in superb color.The only detriment is that half a dozen of his large horizontal paintings are spread across the centrespread,spoiling the composition.Using fold out pages would have been more useful.It also includes his drawings,graphics and sculpture,comprising of 329 works in all.No text accompanies the reproductions,letting the work stand on it's own.If you admire Newman's work,buy this magnificent book.It is one of finest catalogue raisonne ever produced.