Juan Eduardo Cirlot (1916–1973)

Art just isn't my thing, but by complete coincidence I saw Malkovich's Klimt the other day and have read this book about Gaudi. Two men of the same period, two men who now seem to make their period what it was. We see them as being part of a movement - Art Nouveau - but that seems after the fact to me, a little like, as Hadrian would say through Yourcenar, pulling at the facts, arranging them to one's satisfaction.

Each of them was utterly their own man, however much they were in the employ of others. Their development as artists, as far as I can see, is specific to each of them, not part of some commonality of the period.

Well. Maybe they do share one vital aspect. Malkovich is a dead ringer for both of them. He's done Klimt, maybe Gaudi is next. I guess it's the Victorian beard thing.

I have to say, the text of this book is as turgid as turgid could be. I was wondering if it is translated, though I don't see a translator acknowledged.

Nevertheless, the joining of opposites often resolves antimonies and this tendency towards mechanical expression seems to us to be more than an expression of a cold 'techical' side to Gaudi, rather his faith in evertyhing that was beautiful and divinely demonstrated.

No wonder Klimt hated art critics.… (more)

This book discusses the particular symbols and ideas related to those symbols popular in everyday culture. It does this in a scholarly manner that is really interesting. Sometimes the entries are really short when you expect them to be pretty long. Take Prester John for instance. I know he was supposed to be some legendary King of Christendom back in the Middle Ages, but I never thought he would only have one sentence devoted to him. It covers all of the Tarot Cards, all weapons that I could think of, and all animals of any symbolic significance. So this book is pretty cool if you like symbols, and it has a bibliography that you can use to further your research. I read the whole thing through, but you might just want to find a particular entry. Either way, this book was enjoyable and quite fascinating.… (more)