CLUTTON-BROCK, ARTHUR. Essays on art. *$1.75 Scribner 704
20–6951
“In the preface of this volume, Mr Clutton-Brock asks, ‘How are we to improve the art of our own time? After years of criticism I am more interested in this question than in any other that concerns the arts.’ He believes that art, like other human activities, is subject to the will of man, and that the quality of art in any age depends chiefly upon the attitude of the public towards it. His insistence on good workmanship and sound construction in the things we see and handle every day is a continuance of the gospel of William Morris, and it was never more needed than it is now. He pours irony and ridicule on the idea of art as a luxury; on the craze for cheap machine-made reproductions of expensive ornaments; on professors of art who live in hideous drawing-rooms; on the exalting of processes above persons; and on the professionalism of artists, in whom an arrogant skill and accomplishment take the place of genuine expression. One of the best of the essays is a ‘Defence of criticism,’ occasioned by an outburst of Sir Thomas Jackson lamenting that art criticism could not be made penal for ten years, so that people might think for themselves.”—Sat R
“Mr Clutton-Brock is safer as a thinker on conscience and duty than on æsthetics, though he portrays the artist—Leonardo, Mozart, or Poussin—with admirable insight.”
+ − Ath p1353 D 12 ’19 140w Ath p8 Ja 2 ’20 1550w
“It is so pregnant with genial wisdom, and without being unduly dogmatic, so sincerely genuine in its viewpoints, that it is bound to give real pleasure.”
+ Boston Transcript p6 Ap 28 ’20 200w
“These essays are vigorous, informative, and often very well written.”
+ Dial 68:538 Ap ’20 80w