John Craxton: A Life of Gifts

Born into a large, musical, and bohemian family in London, the British artist John Craxton (1922-2009) has been described as a Neo-Romantic, but he called himself a "kind of Arcadian". His early art was influenced by Blake, Palmer, Miró, and Picasso. After achieving a dream of moving to Greece, his work evolved as a personal response to Byzantine mosaics, El Greco, and the art of Greek life. This book tells his adventurous story for the first time. At turns exciting, funny, and poignant, the saga is enlivened by Craxton's ebullient pictures. Ian Collins expands our understanding of the artist greatly--including an in-depth exploration of the storied, complicated friendship between Craxton and Lucian Freud, drawing on letters and memories that Craxton wanted to remain private until after his death.

Author: Ian Collins
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 03/28/2023
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.55lbs
Size: 8.43h x 5.35w x 0.94d
ISBN13: 9780300270556
ISBN10: 0300270550
BISAC Categories:
- Art | Individual Artists | Monographs
- Biography & Autobiography | Artists, Architects, Photographers
- Art | History | Contemporary (1945- )

About the Author

Ian Collins is an independent art writer and curator.