Winslow Homer: The Nature of Observation
Esteemed author Johns (emerita, history of art, Univ. of  Pennsylvania; Thomas Eakins: The Heroism of Modern Life) manages  to separate this work from the pack of scholarship on  quintessential American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910) by  analyzing his life and work from the perspective of developmental psychology. In doing so, she eloquently and  caringly traces Homer's art across the psychoanalytical lines of  a man evolving from young to middle to late adulthood. Using the  developmental theories of Erik Erikson and Daniel Levinson and  drawing heavily from Homer's correspondence and the critical  responses to his work, Johns offers insight into aspects of  Homer's life that informed his art. Johns's analysis cover  Homer's illustrations as well as his oil and watercolor  paintings but focuses on over 100 images that represent turning  points in his life-images that reveal the development of Homer  as a person. Though art historians may not agree with all of her interpretations, it is obvious that Johns has opened up new  avenues for Homer scholarship. Recommended for academic and  museum libraries.-Kraig A. Binkowski, Delaware Art Museum,  Wilmington   Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.