The Gilded Age: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Rating:
Summary: Gilt by association
Review: From the 1870s through the 1920s, artists and the wealthy American industrialists who collected their work were fascinated by foreign travel, exotic cultures, visionary themes, and dramatic landscapes. The paintings and sculptures of the so-called "gilded age" reflect these interests as well as the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy patrons who commissioned family portraits. This beautiful catalogue was produced to accompany a traveling exhibition and presents 52 works of this period by 42 American artists. Each painting and sculpture is reproduced on its own page in full color and faces a succinct but informative discussion of the artist and subject, along with a brief stylistic analysis of the work. The effect is that of a private gallery tour given by an insightful curator.