American modernism at the Art Institute of Chicago: from World War I to 1955

Abstract

The first publication to focus on the Art Institute's outstanding collection of American modernism, this volume includes over 175 important paintings, sculptures, decorative-art objects, and works on paper made in North America between World War I and 1955. Together they fully reflect the history of American art in these decades, including examples of early modernism, Social Realism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Among the paintings are such iconic works as Hopper's Nighthawks and Wood's American Gothic, along with notable pieces by Davis, De Kooning, Hartley, Lawrence, Marin, O'Keeffe, Pollock, and Sheeler. Among the sculptors represented are Calder, Cornell, and Noguchi. Spectacular decorative artwork by the Eameses, Grotell, Neutra, Saarinen, F.L. Wright, and Zeisel are also featured. Reproduced in full color, each work is accompanied by an accessible and up-to-date text, complete with comparative illustrations. The introduction traces the formation of this important collection by a number of noted curators, collectors, and patrons.

Contents

Foreword / James Cuno -- Preface and acknowledgments / Judith A. Barter -- "Freedom of the brush": American modernism at the Art Institute of Chicago / Judith A. Barter and Brandon K. Ruud -- Catalogue / entries by Judith A. Barter, Sarah E. Kelly, Denise Mahoney, Ellen E. Roberts, and Brandon K. Ruud, with contributions by Jennifer M. Downs.