Reflejos y sombras (Reflections and Shadows)

Saul Steinberg (Ramnicul Sarat, Romania, 1914 – New York, 1999) was undoubtedly one of the mid-20th century’s most interesting and influential world art celebrities. Picasso admired his draughtsmanship; Le Corbusier considered him to be a great mural artist; and for Vladimir Nabokov, he was first and foremost a magnificent humourist, the most difficult feat. Although he was a successful artist, fame was a nuisance to him, as was the label of artist. He preferred the role of the observer, rather than the observed, and he was tenaciously devoted to his work, always showing the most rigorous discipline and making few concessions.

This book of memoirs and comments is based on a series of conversations Steinberg had in his countryside house with his friend Aldo Buzzi. It was Buzzi who was determined to push the project forward, despite his friend’s reluctance. Although Steinberg said that what mattered was the work and that explanations are unnecessary, the book, which can be read while tasting a delicious Bolognese mortadella (the artist’s favourite dish), reveals a brilliant narrator and highlights the recondite facets of the artist.

The edition contains numerous reproductions of Steinberg’s paintings and drawings intimately linked to specific passages of the text.