The World New Made: Figurative Painting in the Twentieth Century

I love this book. It is incredibly well illustrated - there are decent reproductions of a huge variety of works. It makes one rethink or revise the notion of conceptual art being the main event in twentieth century art. 'Like true poetry, true painting goes deeper than concepts', says Hyman. Timothy Hyman's writing is sensitive, insightful and clear. I may not agree with everything that is written but Hyman's breadth of knowledge lends such a richness to the book that I don't mind at all. It is great to see so many artists included - there are the usual, Bonnard, Bacon, Hopper and Rego for example alongside Ken Kiff, Alice Neel, Bhupen Khakhar and Paula Modersohn-becker.

A wonderfully thoughtful and informative account of figurative painting which thrived , throughout many i'isms ' oft he last century. Highlighting the work of 60 painters, Hyman organically weaves the story as much through ideas and connections as through chronology. And as much to enjoy here for the art lover as for the art historian.

I was recommended this book by an (multi awards winning) artist friend and very much enjoyed it. What a difference from dry and dogmatic study books recommended on art courses ! Timothy Hymon gives a passionate account of some of the paintings of XXth Century artists whose figurative works were for years marginalised in favour of abstract and later conceptual art but now are finding their interested audiences (who are tired of being told that "Anything is Art" and more and more looking for mastery and artistic genius)

This was quite, quite brilliant. Deep research and strong opinions. Obvs written by a painter. Some great surprises and some surprising insights into art historical figures we thought we knew about. I particularly enjoyed the section on Charlotte Saloman. Moving and beautiful. Images were as you would expect from a Thames & Hudson book. There is something radical, even subversive about this book and its position in terms of contemporary art making. A huge canon, hiding in plain sight. Calling All Painters! BUY THIS!

Timothy Hyman outlines with incredible clarity how figurative painting has developed over the last 60 years, which is something many traditional art-history books seem to almost completely sideline. As a young painter, this book has been incredible, teaching me so much. The pictures are beautiful, the quotes incredibly insightful and appropriate and in general it just flows seamlessly.I highly, highly recommend it!

Timothy Hyman has written a magnificent book which highlights artists who have been either forgotten or sidelined as well as bringing out new ways of looking at artists whose work is already familiar. He writes with profound insight. This book is absolutely worth owning even for those with an exhaustive collection of art books.

A most refreshing look at twentieth century figurative painting with an original and insightful take on its place in contemporary art - it also happens to be a beautiful object filled with excellent reproductions.

Interesting overview of modern figurative painting