Norman Rosenthal (1) (1944–)

Sensation is the first definitive survey of work by the younger generation of British artists that has captivated the international art world with its vitality and inventiveness. As a constant and prodigious collector and patron of young British artists, Charles Saatchi has been unique in his commitment to British art as it is now being produced. His support extends far beyond those such as Damien Hirst and Rachel Whiteread, whose work has acquired wide notoriety, to dozens of others at the cutting edge of the current art scene. Sensation features the work of forty-two of the most exciting and radical artists working in Britain today. Many of them--such as Jenny Saville, Rachel Whiteread, or Jake & Dinos Chapman--are already internationally acclaimed; others are destined to be. The book's original and penetrating essays include the critical context of their work and trace the phenomenon of the British art scene since "Freeze," the 1988 exhibition that is now recognized as a defining moment in the story of British art. Cutting through tabloid headlines, controversial press coverage, and art-world debate, Sensation reveals the achievements of young British artists and the role played by courageous and imaginative patronage.… (altro)

Compared to other similar books on the period, this doesn't add much to the scholarly discussion of cultural ties between Russia and Western Europe. Its main strength is its high quality reproductions of familiar and unfamiliar works. It is intended as a broad visual overview of artistic exchange between Russia and France and the essays for the most part speak to that purpose. There also is no bibliography of the works cited and referenced.

The selection of French works was typical with a mix of Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modernist works. The highlights for me were the Matisses and Cezannes. Some of the works have been shown in the UK and US in various exhibitions over the past 15 years, so they are familiar. The text that explains the art work is rather terse and not too frequently cites other scholars. There also is no exhibition history of the works shown.

The Russian works were a revelation. Kandinsky, Malevich, and Chagall are among the few who are familiar to museum goers, even though Kandinsky is better properly appreciated with the German modernists. The real discoveries for me were the various Russian modernist movements from the World of Art to the Futurist-Cubist hybrid style.

Other recommended books
-Old Masters, Impressionists, and Modernists French masterworks from the State Pushkin Museum, Moscow / Irina Antonova
-Natasha's Dance / Orlando Figes
-The Pearl / Douglas Smith… (altro)