Caspar David Friedrich
Hofmann, director of the Kunsthalle in Hamburg from 1969 until 1990, presents a scholarly and thought-provoking discussion of the leading German Romantic artist of the 19th century. His well-written and -researched publication is the first major monograph on Friedrich in almost 30 years. Accompanied by large and beautiful reproductions of Friedrich's paintings and drawings (193 illustrations, 150 in color), Hofmann's text places Friedrich within the wider context of his time, offering comparisons with other artists, commentary from critics such as Goethe, and coverage of the social, political, and religious tides of 19th-century Europe. Writings by Friedrich are also included. Hofmann believes that Freidrich's major achievement is the development of "landscape as icon," that is, Friedrich's ability to depict the natural world in realistic detail while imbuing it with religious and spiritual importance. Poetic in and of itself, the book is written in the first person and is filled with meaningful and rich interpretations of Friedrich and his work. Recommended for all art libraries and special collections. Jennifer L.S. Moldwin, Detroit Inst. of ArtsCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.