Van Gogh

I bought this little treasure back when I was in graduate school at the State University of New York at Buffalo (as it was then called). As other books in the Grosset & Dunlap series on artists, this provides both context and slides featuring a sampling of the artist's body of work. The book begins with a brief biographical sketch of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, born in Leyden in 17606. Next comes another brief description of his works, providing further context for looking at slides of some of his masterworks to follow. Finally, a discussion of Rembrandt and his critics. Unlike other artists, it seems, he was received pretty well in his own time. But the heart of this small book is the depiction of some of his best works. It does not include some of my favorites, but it is a good selection anyhow. Some of the works that I find more affecting include: an early "Self Portrait," "Landscape with Castle" (I really enjoy good landscapes and seascapes), "Parade of the Civic Guard. . .," "Young Girl Leaning on the Lower Part of a Door," and "The Descent from the Cross." A slim volume that can fit in a coat pocket. . . . And most enjoyable to wander through this little book's pages. . . .