Well, I am already doing the other Art History Reading Challenge that has been going for a while. (button is on my sidebar somewhere). I thought I would give this new one, Heidenkind's Art History Reading Challenge a go too because it is themed and will challenge me more. I won't be able to get away with just fiction books - I will actually learn something!So I went down to my local library and picked up two books to get started with. The third book I have to read for my book club as well. Then we are going on an outing together to the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum. I am not sure what other books I will pick. I figure I will see where these first three lead me. So my theme is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
1. Eye of the Beholder: Masterpieces from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (an exhibition catalog)
2. The Art of Scandal: The Life and Times of Isabella Stewart Gardner by Douglass Shand-Tucci (biography)
3.
The Gardner Heist: The True Story of the World's Largest Unsolved Art Theft by Ulrich Boser
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Yay! I'm so happy you decided to join the challenge, Jemima!
ReplyDeleteI actually think this is a great theme and not too narrow at all. I've read through Eye of the Beholder and that is a really great book, if only just to look at the pictures. Also that painting by Sargent on the cover is awesome.
Once you go the museum, you'll probably find books in their gift shop that you'll want to read, or you can always take off in a different direction--art crime, the 19th cent., etc. I think you're off to a great start, though! I can't wait to see what you think of these books.
Hi Jemima,
ReplyDeleteI love the comment you've left on my blog about living on an island without a single sign of any marketing. It made me chuckle. Thank you. =)
Have fun with your reading challenges. =)
"The Art of Scandal" is a great. I read it several years ago and it was the book that first got me curious about ISG.
ReplyDeleteI know from your comment on my blog that you've seen my other recommendations on the subject, but I have one more, though not book-related. It is: have a "Madame Gautreau" cocktail at the ISG café!
Heidenkind's challenge looks most interesting. I shall have to look into it further.
The books sound interesting as does the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
ReplyDeletePlease give us a rundown on the museum after you have been there with your book club.
I want to join this challenge too, I'm just not sure what my theme will be yet!
ReplyDeleteThe books you pick look really interesting! In fact, I have "The Gardner Heist" somewhere in my piles, so I'm looking forward to what you'll think about it.
Heidenkind, I am glad that you approve of my topic!
ReplyDeleteLilithcat, Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't find the other book you suggested on your review at my library, but I will keep a look out. I don't suppose the cocktail will count as one of my challenge books!
Gail, Yes I do hope to do a little write up about the museum (from a lay persons perspective as I don't know a lot about art)
Kay, Glad that you want to join up too. I will keep an eye out for what you pick as your theme.
Linda Ellen, it was fun to discover your blog the other day!
These books sound interesting. Thanks for mentioning them. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteHi Jemima, I look forward to reading your thoughts on "The Gardner Heist".
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