Christian Lenz

The Neue Pinakothek is one of three ‘Pinakothek’ namesake museums in Munich. Founded by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1853, this ‘Neue’ (or New) museum features 19th century art, notably German artists, as well as the hugely popular French impressionists such as Van Gogh of the cover art – one of five ‘Sunflowers’. The book is organized first by time of 1800’s, 1900’s, by regions of International, German, French, and by themes of Classicism, Romanticism, and Impressionism. The organization is a bit odd, with Monet (as an example) found in two different sections.

I’d be lying if I don’t admit that the French Impressionism portion, all of 30 pages, is enough for me to buy the book. The Van Gogh ‘Sunflower’ here is the oldest of his five, dated 1888. Along with his magnificent ‘View of Arles’ of 1889 and his dreamy ‘Plain at Auvers’ of 1890, this trio marks a transformation that starkly contrasts his earlier work, ‘The Weaver’ of 1884, at the same museum. One more piece worthy note is Gustav Klimt’s larger than life ‘Margarethe Stonborough-Wittgenstein’ in a fantastic, airy white grown.

Do I recommend anyone else to buy the book? Not really. Do I love my book? Absolutely.… (mere)