The American Leonardo by John Brewer
After the First World War, Harry Hahn returned to America with his new wife and a spectacular wedding present - which the couple claim was the real La Belle Ferronnière by Leonardo Da Vinci. The painting caused a sensation until the world's leading art critic, Sir Joseph Duveen (without seeing it in person) questioned its authenticity. The Hahns took Duveen to court for slander. Thus began one of the most extraordinary stories in 20th century art history. The highly renowned historian John Brewer brilliantly uses this story as a launch from which to look at the wider world of the art market and asks the question, when you are standing in front of a painting how do you know what it is? How do you value its worth? What is the most reliable - the expert eye of the connoisseur or the forensic insight of more scientific methods? Through the story of the American Leonardo Brewer charts a thrilling history of 20th century obsession with art, taste and money Praise for A Sentimental Murder 'A clever, important book,' Kathryn Hughes, Guardian 'Sensational . . utterly rigorous, yet written with effortless elegance and continual verve.' Observer 'like a set of dazzling variations on the traditional whodunit.' Daily Telegraph 'Exceptional, stimulating, original, beautifully written and full of wit.' Miranda Seymour 'Rich and significant . . more compelling that any thriller.' Independent
Excellent.. has the unmistakable vibrancy of original research * The Sunday Times *
A gripping fable of the never-ending conflict between art and money. -- Craig Brown’s Book of the Week * Mail on Sunday *
Wholly engaging ... he rests an ambitious enquiry on a brisk, absorbing story. His book is a huge risk, and a triumph * The Scotsman *
A testament to the fascination the dramas of the art world can exert. * TLS *
A gripping fable of the never-ending conflict between art and money. -- Craig Brown’s Book of the Week * Mail on Sunday *
Wholly engaging ... he rests an ambitious enquiry on a brisk, absorbing story. His book is a huge risk, and a triumph * The Scotsman *
A testament to the fascination the dramas of the art world can exert. * TLS *
John Brewer is one of the finest historians in England. He is the author of Pleasures of the Imagination and A Sentimental Murder. He is currently the Professor of Humanities at Caltech, and lives in London with his wife, Stella Tillyard.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781845298722 |
| ISBN 10 | 1845298721 |
| Title | The American Leonardo |
| Author | John Brewer |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Little, Brown Book Group |
| Year published | 2009-02-26 |
| Number of pages | 400 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |