John Nici

What makes an artwork famous? In twenty chapters, each ten to twelve pages on a different artwork, John Nici attempts to answer that question… and succeeds beautifully, much to the delight of the reader. Most of the works discussed—but perhaps not all— will be familiar to many readers, but Nici’s essays reach beyond mere art history and pull together some of the most intriguing facts and entertaining tidbits relating to the art work being discussed in an infectious blend of the new and the old. Some of his chapter titles give hints; such as:

“The Birth of Venus: Nothing is Forever, Not Even Neglect”
“The Burial of Count Organ by El Greco: A Touch of Madness Goes a Long Way”
“The Scream by Edvard Munch: Scream, Indeed”.
“The Parthenon Sculptures: Lord Elgin and How Greece Lost Its Marbles”
“Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze: Or Perhaps, Washington Crossing the Rhine”

Does quality ensure fame? Are placement, timing, publicity, and price factors? How much does an artist have to do with the popularity of his or her work? How did the Mona Lisa get so famous? Why is there so much Starry, Starry Night kitsch in the stores? Is fame fickle?

Wonderfully readable, and both entertaining and informative, this book is an absolute delight to read. You could buy it as a gift for an art-loving friend, but then again, you could decide to treat yourself.… (más)