Note on Art

Note on Art

A personal note from LeRoy Neiman, featuring two quotes from art historian Ernst Gombrich on photography and commercial design.

This note from LeRoy Neiman relays commentary from quintessential art historian Ernst Gombrich. The first excerpt from Gombrich concerns photography; instead of focusing on photo’s relation to painting—or the effect of photography on the trajectory of western painting—the section touches on the medium’s distinct aesthetic features. The note’s second section (also a quote from Gombrich) discusses advertising, and advertising images. This selection then makes sense in the context of Neiman’s biography—or, his interest in fashion illustration, American visual culture, work for Playboy, and stint in commercial design. For Gombrich and for Neiman, “there is no difference between traditional art and so-called commercial art.”

LeRoy Neiman

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

c. 1990-2011

Ernst Gombrich

Property of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation; please consult the organization's archivist for further details.

Notes

Image/jpeg

English

Document

LN_Notes_1407

New York (N.Y.) New York

critic
quotes by
Ernst Gombrich 92 years old art historian
“Photographers produce a good many fabulous images. They are able to catch the most interesting expressions of the people they portray. They know how to exploit to the best the effect of lights and shadows on their subjects, as well as on landscapes.”
It is very interesting to consider the effect of some advertising images. They are highly effective.
Admiring them you can come to the conclusion that there is no difference between traditional art and so-called commercial art.

Felt-tipped pen and pen on paper.