“You are a devotee of Monsieur Cézanne?” “Yes, but I prefer the work he did in the last decade of his life.” She figures she might as well be honest, as there surely are no jobs to be had in this tiny gallery. “When he began to construct objects with color instead of line.” He bows slightly and then extends his hand. “Alexandre Busler,” he says. “And I most heartily agree with you... “Not every art dealer is so entrenched in the past that he cannot see what is the future.” -- B.A. Shapiro, The Collector's Apprentice
This mystery plunges you deep into the art world of the 1920s. With cameos from famous real modernists -- both artists and other creatives -- it is an interesting look at the what was happening in and around the time of their work. The high glamor of the roaring 20's on the heels of WWI creates the perfect backdrop for creativity and experimentation.
Visiting with Gertrude Stein, clandestine meetings with Henri Matisse, watching artists go from ridiculed to grand masters... this was a fun way to delve into a world long gone.
The author takes creative license in the mingling of fictional with authentic, but it makes for a great escape. Glamor, excitement, mystery... A victim who is anything but. There is definite commentary on the misunderstood becoming the celebrated.
It was a fun way to learn more about the art world as well. The names of paintings, drawings, and sculptures are all real and can be viewed online. This added a vivid touch to the imaginary. Listening to the characters discuss art, lines, and views, offered insight into what it is like to move in these circles. It encouraged understanding of what motivated and inspired those who would go on to be revered for their work.
I hope to pick up other art based works by Shapiro. I've got The Art Forger on my To Be Read list now.
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