What Makes A Van Gogh A Van Gogh? - Hardcover

One of six introductions, co-published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, following painters' lives and the development of their work through a dozen key paintings. Integrating germane personal details into a lucid and intelligent discussion of such influences as Van Gogh's surroundings and the other artists he admired, M hlberger follows his evolution from The Potato Eaters to the ominous Crows over a Wheatfield, presaging the artist's imminent suicide. A variety of portraits, interiors, landscapes, and flower paintings makes an excellent basis for presenting the artist's concerns, techniques, and uses of color. The book concludes with a five-point summary--in response to the title- -that seems over-simplistic compared to the carefully structured text (``2. He laid down thick layers of paint''), but that's a small flaw in an appealing and useful book. The sturdy paper binding shouldn't present a problem, but placing a pocket will be a challenge. Also available, by the same author: Brueghel; Degas; Monet; Raphael; Rembrandt. (Nonfiction. 9+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.