Robert Mangold s gently curving, majestic paintings are among the most beautiful abstract works of the late twentieth century. Emerging in the 1960s, Mangold is often associated with Minimalism for his non-hierarchical compositions and use of simple geometric forms. His subtle colours and soft,
hand-drawn figures also recall other sources, from traditional Greek pottery to the frescoes of Piero. Among the most accomplished painters working today, Mangold is collected in the world s pre-eminent museums.

This first comprehensive monograph assesses Mangold s contribution to contemporary painting, with essays by some of the most distinguished writers on contemporary art. Richard Shiff, Chair in Art at the University of Texas, Austin, interprets Mangold s art in the context of its broad cultural history; Robert Storr, curator at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, analyses the work in relation to late twentieth-century painting; Arthur C Danto, Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University, New York, examines in depth the Zone Paintings series; and art critic Nancy Princenthal presents a chronological history of the concepts in the work. Also included is a conversation with the artist s wife, painter Sylvia Plimack Mangold, on the sources behind his work, and artist s statements accompanied by photographs of the artist in his studio by their son, the noted filmmaker James Mangold.