Modern art begins with Goya. He was the first to create works of art for their own sake, and he lived in a time of incredible cultural and social dynamism when the old concepts of social hierarchy were being shaken by the new concept of equality for all. He saw his world ripped apart by Napoleon's armies and then suffered the reactionary backlash as the old order was restored. Against this epic canvas, Goya painted his own observations of humanity, transforming his youthful images of gaily dancing peasants into his mature penetrating studies of human suffering, despair, perseverance and redemption. Goya's art rises above the chaos of his times, and signals the real revolution of personal expression and independent spirit that would be the generative force behind the modernist movement in art.

Modern art begins with Goya. He was the first to create works of art for their own sake, and he lived in a time of incredible cultural and social dynamism when the old concepts of social hierarchy were being shaken by the new concept of equality for all.

About the Author
Wendy Bird teaches at the Open University, among other institutions. Goya has been a constant focus of her study. She has been involved in Spanish street theatre, music and film and is herself a practising artist. Since being chosen by It's Nice That as one of the most promising graduates of 2011, Sarah Maycock's clients have included the likes of Sony Music, The Times, the BBC, Waitrose, Jamie Oliver Magazine, Liberty, MiH Jeans, The Financial Times, The Guardian, Pentagram, Quadrille Publishing, Conran Design and Kinfolk.


Book Information
ISBN 9781780676166
Author Wendy Bird
Format Hardback
Page Count 80
Imprint Laurence King Publishing
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 380g