Old Masters and New

📘 About This Book

Excerpt from Old Masters and New: Essays in Art Criticism These essays, in their original form, have appeared at various times during the last twenty years, about half of them in The Nation, the others, with one exception, in various periodicals. In preparing them for appearance here I could do no less than submit them to a pretty thorough revision, removing everything that seemed temporary in its interest and making such additions as, in some instances, have amounted pretty nearly to re-writing. I hope that the result will be found to have more consecutiveness and to be less ill-proportioned than might perhaps be expected in a volume thus made up of scattered papers produced at wide intervals of time by one mainly engaged in other work. The book cannot, indeed, make any pretension to be a systematic history of art, although it deals, incidentally, with many more artists than those whose names figure in its chapter-headings. It is rather a series of appreciations of individual masters, though something like a general view of the course of painting since the sixteenth century may, perhaps, be made out from it. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

📖 Summary

Old Masters and New by Kenyon Cox is a thoughtful and enduring collection of art criticism that spans two decades of observation and analysis. Originally published across various periodicals, most notably The Nation, these essays were carefully gathered, revised, and rewritten by the author to ensure a cohesive and enduring reading experience. Rather than serving as disjointed thoughts written purely in the moment, the compiled papers have been refined to present a unified perspective on the trajectory of artistic creation, connecting the monumental achievements of historical creators with the evolving movements of contemporary practitioners. The author approaches the subject not merely as an outside observer, but as someone deeply engaged in the practical realities of the artistic world, which lends an informed, grounded authority to every critique. Throughout the volume, the text bridges the gap between traditional techniques and modern innovations, examining how aesthetic standards endure or transform across generations. Readers are invited to explore the underlying principles that govern visual expression, moving beyond superficial impressions to understand the structural and philosophical choices made by famous figures in art history. By weeding out details that held only temporary significance, the book focuses on timeless principles of design, composition, and artistic intent. This thoughtful curation results in a surprisingly harmonious volume that reflects deeply on what makes great work truly great. Whether the focus rests on celebrated historical figures or the newer voices shaping the contemporary landscape, the essays maintain a critical yet appreciative tone that encourages closer looking and deeper contemplation. Ultimately, this collection stands as a testament to the enduring value of thoughtful, sustained artistic commentary, offering modern readers a valuable window into the critical mindset of a bygone era that remains relevant to anyone passionate about the visual arts.

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