Accompanying a major exhibition, this book brings together around 120 of the most significant examples of Victor Hugo's works on paper. It features previously unpublished drawings and insightful texts that reveal Hugo's extraordinary talents as a draftsman. Remarkably spontaneous and receptive to the myriad possibilities of medium and materials, Hugo produced experimental and enigmatic compositions, from haunting renditions of castles and ruins to ethereal and abstract forms and stains. This volume includes essays which place Hugo's drawings within the context of artistic movements in 19th-century France, closely examine his cosmic landscapes and visions of the night, delve into Hugo's processing of ideas and imagination, and analyze a central pair of opposing forces in his work-stones and stains. This lavishly illustrated book presents the full breadth of Hugo's talent. Hugo's drawings afford a greater insight into the creative brilliance that brought forth some of the most indelible stories of all time.

About the Author
TIM BARRINGER is Paul Mellon Professor of the History of Art at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. MARTIN ELLIS is a freelance curator, lecturer, broadcaster, and former Curator of Applied Art at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in England. VICTORIA OSBORNE is Curator of Fine Art for Birmingham Museums Trust in England.

Reviews
"...a fabulous collection of Hugo's brooding works on paper. Best known as the author of the novel, Les Miserables (1862), it seems we hardly know Hugo as a visual artist; this book rectifies that. In addition to the inky, blotty drawings, there are also some of his cut-out silhouettes and one or two illustrated sketchbooks. A must for Hugo fans." -Fine Books Magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9783791357645
Author Cynthia Burlingham
Format Hardback
Page Count 208
Imprint Prestel
Publisher Prestel
Weight(grams) 567g