Bright Stars: American Painting and Sculpture Since 1776

First edition (1976) copy of Bright Stars: American Painting and Sculpture Since 1776 by Jean Lipman and Helen M. Franc.

Bright Stars: American Painting and Sculpture Since 1776 is a magnificent and unique summation of American art of the past 200 years. Each of the 150 works by 131 artists is of outstandingly high quality, and each gives the reader the excitement of confronting splendid art. 

This beautiful volume is not intended to be a historical survey. Its purpose is to enhance the reader's enjoyment of American art and widen his knowledge of it, for the authors have brought together 150 artworks that offer an especially rewarding experience to anyone who looks at them attentively. Each work has been chosen on the basis of its own merits as a memorable image of outstanding quality. A special feature of this impressive gallery of American art is the inclusion of many examples from our rich heritage of folk painting and sculpture, thus reflecting the ever-growing recognition of these pieces as objects of great expressive power and aesthetic quality. 

An entire page or double-page spread is devoted to each of the artworks, and each is reproduced in color and discussed in detail. The information in each of the comments, which are directed to the layman and not to the specialist, is intended to add an extra dimension to the visual enjoyment of the examples. The texts set the works of art in context, discuss their styles and subjects, and give some relevant facts about the artists and the circumstances surrounding the creation of the art. Quotations are often used to let the artists speak for themselves, and also to give the reactions of contemporary critics. 

Finally, the comprehensive introduction by John I. H. Baur, Director Emeritus of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, provides and exceptionally fine, broad survey f the development of American art and contains many black-and-white illustrations.

Bright Stars is in every way an incomparable tribute to the genius of American art of the past 200 years. 

Hardcover with dust jacket.

Authors: Jean Lipman and Helen M. Franc

Edition/Year: first edition, 1976, E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc

Condition: good condition.

Dimensions: 12" x 11"