Explore the compelling narrative of Sam Wagstaff in 'Wagstaff: Before and After Mapplethorpe'. This insightful biography by Philip Gefter dives deep into the life of Wagstaff, an influential American intellectual and cultural visionary, famous for his role as a lover and patron of the iconic photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Ideal for art lovers and photography enthusiasts, this book not only traces Wagstaff’s evolution but also delves into the vibrant art scene of New York in the 1970s. Expect a detailed exploration of Wagstaff's transformation from a society bachelor to a groundbreaking curator, all while the gay rights movement and the rise of photography as a reputable art form unfold around him. 'Wagstaff: Before and After Mapplethorpe' captivates with its rich narrative of a pivotal cultural era, depicting the essence of New York just before the age of AIDS. This 480-page book is a must-read for anyone interested in art history, LGBTQ+ culture, and the intersection of personal lives with broader social movements. Enjoy free shipping on this brand new edition, published in 2014 by W W Norton & Company. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Note that once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Don't miss out on this definitive portrait of a man who shaped contemporary photography and culture.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780871404374
Year: 2014
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 480


Description:


Recalled as the lover and patron of Robert Mapplethorpe, Sam Wagstaff here takes centre stage as a leading American intellectual and cultural visionary. Philip Gefter traces Wagstaff's evolution from society "bachelor" of the 1940s to his emergence as rebellious curator. In 1972, his meeting with twenty-five-year-old Mapplethorpe, would lead to his legacy as world-class photography collector and cultural arbiter.


Positioning Wagstaff's personal life against the rise of photography as a major art form and the simultaneous formation of the gay rights movement, Gefter's absorbing biography provides a searing portrait of New York just before and during the age of AIDS. The result is a definitive and memorable portrait of a man and an era.