Primitivism in Modern Art

This now classic study maps the profound effect of primitive art on modern, as well as the primitivizing strain in modern art itself. Robert Goldwater describes how and why works by primitive artists attracted modern painters and sculptors, and he delineates the differences between what is truly primitive or archaic and what intentionally embodies such elements. His analysis distinguishes the romanticism of Gauguin; an emotional primitivism exemplified by the Brücke and Blaue Reiter groups in Germany; the intellectual primitivism of Picasso and Modigliani; and a “primitivism of the subconscious” in Miró, Klee, and Dali. Two of Goldwater's related essays—“Judgments of Primitive Art, 1905–1965” and “Art History and Anthropology”—have been added for this new paperback edition.

A profound critical analysis...After [his] impressive, objective study, Dr. Goldwater is in a position to define primitivism and indicate its underlying assumptions.

Goldwater's book...has remained the definitive account of the artistic impact of primitive art on the art of modern Europe.

A valuable contribution to contemporary art criticism.

Goldwater's study, first published in 1938, has become a classic in the field of art history. His descriptions of how and why modern painters and sculptors were attracted to primitive art are essential to understanding artists from Paul Gauguin to Paul Klee.

This book is admirably thorough. Professor Goldwater's approach to the problems involved remains consistently historical, analytical and descriptive...The investigation...is of lively interest and real importance.