The Edwardians: Secrets And Desires

Given that many artists of the Edwardian period (1900-1914)--then as now--wanted to be "the best," not only in their native lands but also on the world stage, thus they sought to establish themselves in the artistic centers of London and Paris. The Edwardians showcases the art of this period, focusing on connections between Australian, British, Irish, American, and French artists, all drawn to London during this period, to live and study. Many of them stayed abroad for as long as two decades. This book places the work of these expatriate artists within the context of British art of the time. The works illustrated and discussed here, both paintings and sculpture, reflect a time of great social change, from a period of established order to the beginnings of a more modern world. There are sumptuous portraits of members of the British upper class and nouveaux riches, as well as paintings of the middle class and working class. Together they show the changes in artistic style that took place during the period, from an emphasis on tonalism to a more formalist approach using bright colors and strong shapes.