Richard R. Brettell (1949–2020)

This is a catalogue of an collection of art works made by Nathan Cummings, the founder of the Sarah Lee business. Clearly, Nathan made a lot of money and this collection of paintings reflects both a good eye (maybe good advice too) but also pretty deep pockets. He seems to have started collecting around 1945...I guess, just after WWII and the majority of the collection is probably directed at art from around 1900...but also includes later works by the likes of Henry Moore. As an art book and a catalogue, it is very well done. Each individual work is illustrated by both an overview picture but also by one or more close-ups...which I find really interesting....especially in terms of seeing how the artist applied the paint...the brush strokes etc. Or, in the case of sculpture, the finish and the patina on the works.
Each work is also accompanied by a rather erudite essay which gives some background to the piece and also to the artist and sometimes to the way in which it was acquired by Nathan Cummings. These essays are really quite masterful. I guess the text was supplied by Richard R Brettell, who is listed as the consulting curator for the Sara Lee Collection.
The Sarah Lee corporation made a millennium gift of these art works to a number of significant museums around the world ....truly a magnanimous gesture because they are all works of considerable significance...despite the fact that Nathan was supposed to have just bought what he liked..
An interesting and beautifully illustrated book. I'm tossing up whether to keep it (with my limited shelf space) or donate it to Charity. I give it 4.5 stars.… (mer)