I was this close to being an art major (very close). I took many art history courses while at Syracuse, and I even worked at The Art Institute of Chicago for a year. I love art and have a better than average understanding of art history. Good thing, because I needed it! In Steve Martin's imaginary-but-oh-so-realistic 1990s art dealing world, we journey through nearly two decades with the unforgettable Lacey Yeager. A young, attractive, man-eating, determined, budding art dealer, who will do whatever it takes to make a name for herself in the business. Legality of dealings? Questionable at times.
I enjoyed this book because I enjoy art, and because Steve Martin writes books as if you're watching a movie. Probably because he's written screenplays a few times before. He employs a unique picture-in-text layout of the book. Because the art world is the most diverse character in An Object of Beauty, he describes a particular piece, and then (with permission) places a picture of the work right into the paragraph. Martin said that he did this because he can't stand books where you have to flip to the middle or the back of a book to look at the pictures that are referenced in a novel.
Though Martin does a good job of explaining artists, their genres, and their importance in the field, without an Art History 101 course under your belt, this book may be a bit boring for you. Also, this book is rated R for adult content. If you're a Kindle user, this is a pass - or time to buy the hard copy. The pictures of the art work are in full color and could not be appreciated on an e-reader. The jacket cover of the book is extraordinary. It feels like a painting on canvas.
Here's a video of Steve Martin talking about his book with Rita Braver on CBS Sunday Morning. My friend and I are in the audience! Also, the last audience question that was asked was mine!
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