Constantin Brancusi: The Essence of Things

About this book

Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957) was a towering figure among early 20th-century modern artists. Born in Romania he worked in Paris for more than 50 years but he became renowned worldwide. This new book published to accompany an exhibition at Tate Modern London and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum New York shows why his work in which figurative elements were refined into ever purer near-abstract forms was so important in the development of modern sculpture. This splendid book focuses on some 40 works that represent the essence of Brancusis art. Essays focus on the themes and series in his work and the use of carving as opposed to modeling in clay that set him apart from his contemporaries. A selection of Brancusis aphorisms illustrated with photographs of the artists studio complete this thorough and up-to-date assessment of one of the 20th centurys greatest artists.