Barcelona and Modernity: Picasso, Gaudi, Miro, Dali

Book Description

During the years after the September Revolution of 1868, Barcelona experienced tremendous industrial growth and emerged as the most politically and culturally progressive city in Spain. Barcelona and Modernity examines this remarkable seventy-one-year period, when Barcelona also reigned as one of the most dynamic centers of modernist art and architecture in Europe. Focusing on the Catalan Renaixença, Modernisme, Noucentisme, avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, and artistic reactions to the Spanish Civil War, essays by an extraordinary international team of scholars offer new insights into the work of such Catalan artists as Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí, among others, by setting them in context with the art of their teachers, colleagues, and rivals.

With approximately 350 works in a variety of media—painting, sculpture, photography, furniture, decorative arts, and architectural design—this intriguing book also explores how Catalan artists derived inspiration from local traditions while contributing their own innovations to international modernism. Broader in scope than any previous treatment of the subject, this book is sure to alter popular perceptions of Catalonia and become a fundamental text for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, but confused.......2007-04-28

The catalogue for an exhibition held at the Cleveland Museum of Art in 2006 and at the Met in NY in 2007, this book is beautifully illustrated and very well written. It is a treasure trove of information on the history of Barcelona and enables the reader to discover some great and overlooked artists like the painters Ramon Casas (a sort of Spanish Manet) and Santiago Rusiñol, or the architect and designer Josep Puig i Cadafalch and many others, responsible for the intellectual growth of this city between 1868 (the September Revolution) and 1939 (the power seizure by Franco), which is the period the exhibition covers. Obviously, the most famous personalities are not forgotten (Picasso, Miro, Dali and Gaudi whose names appear on the front cover).

Now, the organization of the book is somewhat confusing. Divided into 9 chapters, from the Rebirth ("Renaixença")in the late 1860's to Modernism (seen through painting, sculpture, graphic arts, society, architecture and design)and "Noucentisme" (the classical renewal) up to the Avant-Gardes and the Civil War in the late 1930's, it follows a more or less chronological logic. However, the checklist of the artists, at the end of the book, is very confusing: it is very difficult to know the location of the paintings or works of art illustrated and you constantly have to refer to that list to have the dimensions of the works. Instead of a list by artists, I think a list by works displayed in the exhibition and illustrated in the book would have been more suitable.

On the whole, a scholarly publication, but a little difficult to follow.

Gaudi - the Complete Buildings (Midsize)

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Gaudi - the Complete Buildings (Midsize)
Rainer Zerbst
Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3822821713

Book Description

A detailed description of Antoni Gaudí - the man and his work

Wherever they go, anyone who visits Barcelona today will come across the works of Antoni Gaudí - the architect who has attracted art-lovers from all over the world to Spain. It was here, in the capital of Catalonia, that the famous master of architecture produced nearly all of his works. Villas for the well-to-do bourgeoisie, the expansive Güell Park (which today is open to the public), and the famous church designed in honour of the Holy Family - a project which was begun over 100 years ago and has yet to be completed.

Antoni Gaudí's life was full of contradictions. As a young man he joined the Catalonian nationalist movement and was critical of the church; toward the end of his life he devoted himself completely to the construction of one single church. As a young man Gaudí had a liking for the glamour of social life and the looks of a dandy; in old age, on the other hand, he lived a spartan life.

Antoni Gaudí never married and devoted his life entirely to his art - architecture. His works have been acclaimed as "soothing oases in a desert of functional buildings", as "precious gems in the uniform grey of rows of houses," and the master himself was acclaimed as the "Dante of architecture".

This book provides a detailed description of Gaudí the man and his work. The complete works are documented in a wide range of colour photos.

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Tiny book, tiny pictures

Good set of photos -- could be better

Gaudi Triumphantes!

Great book for anybody interested in Gaudi and his works

Impressive survey of an influential, innovative architect.

Antonio Gaudi: Master Architect
Juan Bassegoda Nonell , and Juan Bassegoda Nonell
Manufacturer: Abbeville Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Gaudi of Barcelona

Antoni Gaudi

Discoveries: Gaudi : Visionary Architect (Discoveries (Abrams))

Gaudi: A Biography

Barcelona the Great Enchantress (Directions)

ASIN: 0789202204

Book Description

Antonio Gaudí (1852-1926) is one of the best-known architects of the 20th century. Even today, some 75 years after Gaudí's death, his playful, exuberant buildings continue to influence architects, sculptors, and designers. Perhaps most identified with the dynamic, sculptural facades found on his structures, Gaudí is respected as much for his technological innovations as for his daring style.

In this enlightening, portable volume, a concise, knowledgeable text by the director of the Càtedra Gaudí at the University of Barcelona is brilliantly illustrated with 200 images by a gifted architectural photographer to provide a new perspective on Gaudí's remarkable career. The author traces all the influences that led to the architect's definitive style, from his fascination with the Orient and Neogothicism to his love of naturalism and geometric forms. Here is the full range of his oeuvre from the innovative residences for the Güell family to his unfinished masterpiece, the Church of the Sagrada Familia, which occupied him until his death. This handsome overview of Gaudí's visionary work is ideal for those who delight in his architecture, as well as those who look forward to traveling to Spain to see his monumental legacy.

Customer Reviews:

Tiny book, tiny pictures.......2007-09-14

Pictures are good, with well written history, but 4" by 4" book was so tiny.

Good set of photos -- could be better.......2004-07-12

The set of photos is comprehensive, however I felt that the lighting of the exterior photos was too flat to convey the visual impact of the buildings.

I admit that I have not seen the buildings in person, however I felt that Teshigahara's documentary gave me a much better feel for the buildings -- making their noteriety understandable.

Gaudi Triumphantes!.......2002-11-19

Essentially this is a picture book, but what pictures! The photography has used the extraordinary architecture and added a new dimension to it in vision and lighting. If you would know Gaudi, look at his work: and this is one of the best ways to do it if you cannot readily get to Catalunya. In addition, the production and design of the book, in a relatively small format, has been very carefully thought out, resulting in one of those rare volumes which is delightful to handle and admire in its own right, quite apart from its content. An absolute little gem.

Great book for anybody interested in Gaudi and his works.......2000-10-20

As a student in architecture I spent some time looking for a good book on the works of Antonio Gaudi. I wasn't happy with any of the subject materials that were out there until I stumbled into this book. The clarity of the pictures are amazing and could make anyone feel as though they were right in front of La Sagrada Familia. This book also includes some of Gaudi's sketches, as well as a few floor plans, elevations, and sections of some of his well known buildings. If you are a fan of Antonio Gaudi then this book would defenitely be a good investment. Even if you're not a student in architecture this book will make you appreciate the creativity of Antonio Gaudi, and his use of symbolism (in La Sagrada Familia)

Impressive survey of an influential, innovative architect........2000-07-03

Juan Bassegoda Nonell's Antonio Gaudi excels in fine photos by Melba Levick as it outlines the unique works of architect Gaudi. Color photos provide full coverage of his innovative buildings and inspirations.

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Gaudi
Pere Vivas , Ricard Pla , and Juan Eduardo Cirlot
Manufacturer: Triangle Postals
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8484780341
Release Date: 2006-12-01

Product Description

A complete photographic anthology of Gaudí´s work in a large format book designed by América Sánchez, which includes a meticulous selection of images where technical quality and aesthetics are combined. This book brings together twelve years of photographic works dedicated to the architecture of Antoni Gaudi.

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Never been to Barcelona
a disappointment
gaudi book a winner
Great Book!
AWESOME

Gaudi of Barcelona
Lluis Permanyer
Manufacturer: Rizzoli International Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0847820629
Release Date: 1997-08-15

Amazon.com

Since the late 1800s, Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí's (1852-1926) fanciful buildings have defined Barcelona's cityscape. His playful spires and towers, undulating tiled roofs, and writhing chimneys loom like Dr. Suess creatures atop commercial and apartment buildings alike, and his sculptures are an integral component of many of the city's parks and public spaces. As respected for his technical innovations as for his aesthetic boldness, Gaudí was able to achieve unique, organic, fluid--at times even bizarre--architectural forms that paralleled the stylistic development of art nouveau. The artist's greatest works are brought into dramatic relief against the background of the modern metropolis with 178 specially commissioned color photographs and 13 maps of Barcelona locating Gaudí's works and offering explanatory descriptions of the buildings.

Book Description

The work of Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) defines the city of Barcelona like no other. Its art-nouveau-style spires and visionary eccentricities bestow their unique character on the skyline and make the city a point of pilgrimage for fans of Gaudí's inimitable, playful style. Gaudí of Barcelona presents the architect's work in Barcelona as it has never been seen before. Vibrant, specially commissioned photographs present the wonders of the Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and 10 other fantastic creations in Gaudí's home city in unprecedented detail.

Tiled landscape architecture in brilliant colors, organic, plantlike pinnacles and towers, undulating tiled roofs with chimneys and ventilators looming like alien creatuers atop seething buildings--these are the features that distinguish the work of Gaudí and speak of his curious relationship with his city. The text investigates this aspect of Gaudí's work, discussing the architect's life and influences, his status as an outsider ahead of his time, and his leading place in Catalan modernism.

With its 178 brilliant photographs of Gaudí's most compelling works, and 13 maps showing their location--as well as an insightful text introducing Gaudí's architectural genius--this is an essential book for anyone who knows and loves Gaudí's work, or for those planning to discover it firsthand in Barcelona.

Customer Reviews:

Never been to Barcelona.......2007-10-02

I purchased this book with the idea that I'll eventually get to Barcelona. I wanted to see a few things before planning a trip so I would know where to go. This book just makes me want to start planning the trip now. Or maybe just getting a ticket and saying the heck with it all and going. Today.
The architecture is lovely and fantastical. I would love living in such a place. Now I'll have to work on my Catalan (the language they speak there). But that's another book altogether.
I'm also a mosaic artist and Barcelona is one of the epicenters of mosaic work. I've been to Ravenna, Italy and Barcelona's probably the Spanish equivalent.
This book inspires me to look at my house with an eye for doing amazing mosaic work here.

a disappointment.......2007-09-07

This book has some very nice photos, but on the whole it wasn't what I wanted. I intended this to be my first and only book on Gaudi, but it won't serve that purpose. The photos don't include any of the usual angles -- for example, there are far too few shots of the wonderful roof of Casa Battlo, and none that adequately show the sinuous serpent-back tiles. The text explains the symbolism of the roof features, but the photos fail to show the features described in the text. Some of the wide angle shots looking up at ceilings are hard to interpret. The book is best as a complement if one already has a book with shots taken from the standard angles. In that respect, it would be excellent. I won't buy a book like this again without looking at it first.

gaudi book a winner.......2007-07-08

I bought this book as a gift for friends who were about to travel to Barcelona and who did not fully understand the impact of Gaudi's work on this city and the world. The book helped them to rearrange their travel plans and will be wonderful momento of their trip. Beautiful images of all his work.

Great Book!.......2007-05-13

Having just returned from a trip to Spain that included several days in Barcelona I was delighted to find this book available to purchase. The pictures are beautiful and very representative of the architecture you will see if you spend a few days in the lovely city of Barcelona. I definitely recommend the book.

AWESOME.......2007-01-12

The Best Book ever to capture the infinate beauty of Gaudi. Just glacing at this book I realize how much I miss Barcelona! The pages just pour over with amazing images of this magical place, I looked through at least a dozen other books while I was in Spain & none came close to the quality of this one by Lluis Permanyer.

Antoni Gaudi (Taschen Basic Architecture)

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Basic but quality overview book

Antoni Gaudi (Taschen Basic Architecture)
Maria Antonietta Crippa , and Peter Gossel
Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3822825182

Book Description

Inspiring, visionary buildings by the great Gaudí

Raised during the Industrial Revolution, Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) strove to distinguish and reaffirm the identity of his native Catalonia as Spain and the rest of Europe modernized. Early neo-Gothic designs were the stepping-stone to the mature, original style that came to be synonymous with his name. Incorporating bold colors and odd bits of material into his designs, Gaudí created inspiring, visionary buildings and helped establish Barcelona (most notably with the still-unfinished Sagrada Família cathedral) as a city of the world.

Customer Reviews:

Basic but quality overview book.......2007-09-11

A good starter book to introduce someone to Gaudi's work... not a great book and not in-depth. If you're looking for substance, look elsewhere. If you want a basic overview of Gaudi & his work, this is a good little overview book.

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In Detail: Barcelona Art Nouveau

Manufacturer: Poligrafa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8434310627
Release Date: 2005-08-15

Book Description

London is famous for Big Ben, Paris for the Eiffel Tower, and Rome for the Colosseum. Barcelona, on the other hand, is associated not with one or two buildings but with the blossoming of an entire movement in art history called Modernism. In Germany it was called Jugendstil; in Austria, Sezession; in Italy, Stile Liberty; and in France it was Art Nouveau. An extraordinary period straddling the 19th and 20th centuries, Barcelona's brand of Art Nouveau was characterized by organic shapes and patterns integrated by all aspects of art and design. The movement, along with its high craftsmanship, was interpreted to be a spontaneous reaction to the Industrial Revolution's trend of mass production. Besides being a survey of the most significant buildings by Domenech i Montaner, Antoni Gaud', Josep Maria Jujol, and Puig i Cadafalch, this book also provides a detailed analysis of the forms created by the most important craftsmen of the period, many of whom have been relegated to anonymity for decades.

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Antoni Gaudi
Ignasi De Sola-Morales
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810946254

Book Description

"Color in architecture must be intense, logical, and fertile," wrote Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí in his diary in the late 1870s. Known for his sensuous, curving, almost surreal Art Nouveau buildings-many are among Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions-Gaudí (1852-1926) is today one of the best-known architects in the world. Antoni Gaudí is the most up-to-date look at this visionary architect and his greatest buildings.

With all-new photography by Gaudí expert Rafael Vargas and the now-classic text of Ignasi de Solà-Morales, this volume provides a thorough yet highly accessible introduction to 16 of the architect's works, including houses, apartment buildings, churches and cathedrals, schools, and a little-known design for a hotel on what would become the World Trade Center site. Among the magnificent buildings toured here are the Casa Vicens, Palau Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Chapel of Colònia Güell, and Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Família.

Book Description

Antoni Gaudí (Catalonia, 1852-Barcelona, 1926) became an architect in 1878. His work is concentrated in Barcelona and led to the creation of its most notable landmarks. Gaudí was a pioneer in his field, using color, texture, and forms never before imagined. His works, particularly those built for the Güell family (e.g. the Park Güell), stand as testimony to his genius.

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Living Gaudi
Maria Antonietta Crippa , Joan Bassegoda Nonell , Juan Morell Nuez , and Francesc Nias Nias
Manufacturer: Rizzoli International Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0847824357
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Book Description

Antoni Gaudi is celebrated as one of the most important architects of the early 20th century. His unbelievable Art Nouveau buildings were marked by their whimsical design and fantastic details. While much has been written on this extraordinary figure, Living Gaudi is one of the few books to consider his gardens, parks and residential projects as a body of work, and one of the few to particularly focus on his designs for interior furnishings, which were part and parcel of his overall vision for a building. This littleknown aspect of his work is surveyed in this book with stunning photography and exquisite detail. The volume also includes a selection of the architect's own writings, which give the reader a revealing look at his incomparable genius. Complete with archival photographs and more than 150 full-color contemporary photographs, Gaudi's amazing talent is revealed in this landmark work.

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