In the spirit of cubism, this review will show multiple facets and views.
The ART PHILOSOPHER will enjoy this book, especially Chapter 1 ("The Theme in Theory"), which fills a quarter of the volume. The CASUAL READER, unfortunately, will find this chapter daunting, from its semiotics, to its comments about deconstructing deconstruction. While subsequent chapters are easier reading, pedantic patter occasionally spills over-for example, "...the nude is only present as a signifier, not as the Signified, capital 'S'."
The PICASSO GROUPIE might get impatient during the long first chapter, since the seemingly-endless discussion about representations of representations is applicable to any depiction of any artist depicting anything. Thus, 25% of the book is generic--not Picasso-specific.
The ART LOVER, if he has the patience to get past the theoretical framework, will find Ms. Kleinfelder to be insightful as she explores Picasso's representations of artists and models (including positioning, physical appearance, sub-themes, symbolism, and sexual imagery).
Speaking of sexual imagery, some of the graphics are quite explicitly hard-core, which will delight the PRURIENT READER. We're not just talking about nudity here, folks-we're talking about close-up shots of penetration, so keep the kids away, and don't read this book in public.
Some of the verbiage can also be raunchy, though clever, appealing to the DIRTY-MINDED WIT. For example, a drawing with the model's legs spread wide is described as showing her vertical vulval slit punctuated by her anus below, rendering the effect of an exclamation point! In a similar spirit, the last chapter, very short, is called Coda Interruptus.
The BOOK LOVER will find this a well-produced work, down to its paper, which meets certain permanence standards...but the VALUE-ORIENTED CONSUMER will find the book overpriced, especially as there are no color reproductions among the 250 or so pages. Few paintings are reproduced, anyway; most of ! the plates show black and white works on paper. Don't even think of buying this book simply to grace your coffee table.
In summary, this book should not be the first to go on your bookshelf, and it is not light reading for the beach. If you can get past the first chapter, your efforts will be rewarded.
