Books (II): Jean Amery’s Lefeu oder Der Abbruch
I have to confess: I have a tough time reading brainy theoretical or technical studies written by the painters. For instance, the well-known Leonardo’s treaty devoted to painting is a must. The outstanding Master puts within our reach all his knowledge, in a very boring way. It does not get any better with some art technicians such Mondrian or Kandinsky. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to the rule like the ‘Traité du paysage et de la Figure’ (treaty on landscape and figure) by André Lhote or the ‘Drawing techniques’ by John Ruskin, these are useful, clear and enjoyable. I usually prefer biographies, journals and letters as they reveal people’s mankind. If these testimonials are sincere and emotional (like the ‘letters to Theo’ by Vincent Van Gogh), they seem also so inspiring…