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Still Looking: Essays on American Art

john updike

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From a master of American letters and the author of the acclaimed Rabbit series comes a richly illustrated book of eighteen insightful essays about American art, written while he was the art critic at The New York Review of Books.

“Remarkably elegant little essays, dense in thought and perception but offhandedly casual in style. Their brevity makes more acute the sense of regret one feels to see them end.” — Newsday

When, in 1989, a collection of John Updike’s writings on art appeared under the title Just Looking, a reviewer in the San Francisco Chronicle commented, “He refreshes for us the sense of prose opportunity that makes art a sustaining subject to people who write about it.” In the sixteen years since Just Looking was published, he continued to serve as an art critic, mostly for The New York Review of Books, and from fifty or so articles has selected, for this book, eighteen that deal with American art.

After beginning with early American portraits, landscapes, and the transatlantic career of John Singleton Copley, Still Looking then considers the curious case of Martin Johnson Heade and extols two late-nineteenth-century masters, Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins. Next, it discusses the eccentric pre-moderns James McNeill Whistler and Albert Pinkham Ryder, the competing American Impressionists and Realists in the early twentieth century, and such now-historic avant-garde figures as Alfred Stieglitz, Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, and Elie Nadelman. Two appreciations of Edward Hopper and appraisals of Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol round out the volume.

America speaks through its artists. As Updike states in his introduction, “The dots can be connected from Copley to the same tense engagement with materials, the same demand for a morality of representation, can be discerned in both.”

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8,2005
Literary awards
national book critics circle award, 

This edition

Format
240 pages, Hardcover
Published
November 8, 2005 by Knopf
ISBN
9781400044184
ASIN
1400044189
Language
English

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About the author

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john updike

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John Hoyer Updike was an American writer. Updike's most famous work is his Rabbit series (Rabbit, Run; Rabbit Redux; Rabbit Is Rich; Rabbit At Rest; and Rabbit Remembered). Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest both won Pulitzer Prizes for Updike. Describing his subject as "the American small town, Protestant middle class," Updike is well known for his careful craftsmanship and prolific writing, having published 22 novels and more than a dozen short story collections as well as poetry, literary criticism and children's books. Hundreds of his stories, reviews, and poems have appeared in The New Yorker since the 1950s. His works often explore sex, faith, and death, and their inter-relationships.

He died of lung cancer at age 76.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 9 votes)
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9 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
oakbing
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Not thrilled.

To be honest, the Stieglitz essay made me a little angry. However, it was still good as it made me think.

The essays on Hopper were excellent. They provided in-depth analysis and unique perspectives on Hopper's works.

It was interesting to see how the author explored the different themes and elements in Hopper's paintings.

The use of vivid descriptions and examples helped to bring the paintings to life.

Overall, while the Stieglitz essay had its flaws, the essays on Hopper more than made up for it.

They offered a valuable contribution to the understanding and appreciation of Hopper's art.

I look forward to reading more about art and artists in the future.
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itsden
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Excellent essays on exhibits are combined with beautiful artwork, creating a captivating experience.

There are exhibits of approximately 18 artists. Among them, my favorites include Albert Pinkham Ryder, Homer, Maurice Prendergost, Hassam, Stieglitz, and Elie Nadelman.

The author also wrote about other artists such as those from the Hudson River School like Cole and Church, Johnson Heade, Eakins, Whistler, Marsden Hartley, Arthur Dove, Hopper, Pollock, and Warhol.

Each artist brings a unique style and perspective to the exhibition, making it a diverse and enriching display of artistic talent. The combination of the essays and the artworks allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artists and their creations.

Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious about different art forms, this exhibition offers something for everyone to enjoy and explore.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
ConstantReader
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Published primarily in the New York Review of Books, the collected essays in Still Looking offer more than just art criticism; they are finely honed art appreciations. Reviewers have noted Updike's inquisitive tone and his earnest interest in the subject matter. The author, who has been often honored with awards such as the American Book Award, the O. Henry Prize, and the National Medal for the Humanities, and is also prolific, once had an aspiration for a career in cartooning and studied at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford, England.

If there is a major complaint, and it can be registered as such, it is that Updike is so effective at bringing these works to life. The book, although amply illustrated, provokes a sense of frustration because the exhibitions are no longer running. This inability to directly experience the exhibitions as described by Updike leaves the reader longing for more. However, this also speaks to the power of his writing, as it can evoke such strong emotions and desires in the reader.

This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
X0XjulietX0X
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Quick initial disclaimer: I have never read anything by John Updike.

When it comes to art critique, his knowledge is vast and his analyses thorough. I found his two essays on Edward Hopper to be excellent. (Perhaps because I love Edward Hopper and assumedly so does he.)

Ultimately, I think the mediocre rating here is simply mine. I really don't like reading criticism of any kind. (Especially, I've decided now, criticism of art.) Mr. Updike's opinions are well-developed and eloquent.

I just think I'll stick to visiting galleries to make my own judgments. I believe that experiencing art firsthand in a gallery setting allows me to form my own unique perspectives and interpretations.

Relying solely on the written critiques of others may limit my ability to truly engage with and understand the artworks on a deeper level.

While I can appreciate the expertise and insights that critics like Mr. Updike bring, I prefer to trust my own eyes and instincts when it comes to art.

Visiting galleries gives me the opportunity to see the artworks in their full glory, observe the details, and感受 the emotions and氛围 that they evoke.

It is through this direct interaction with the art that I can develop my own personal connection and make judgments that are truly my own.

So, while I may not be a fan of reading art criticism, I will continue to explore galleries and discover the beauty and power of art for myself.
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korosensei-san
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The essays presented here are of very high quality.

Among them, my absolute favorite was the one titled "O Beautiful for Spacious Skies," which delved into the sublime landscape and its intriguing connection to Abstract Expressionism.

I did skip over some of the essays, mainly those that were overly focused on a particular artist.

After perusing the review of a Whistler retrospective, I started to have a hunch that Updike might be rather critical of the individual painters. However, to my surprise, he actually has an outstanding understanding and grasp of the broad sweep of American art history.

His insights and analysis not only offer a comprehensive view of the artworks but also provide a deeper understanding of the historical context and the evolution of American art.

It is truly a pleasure to read these essays and gain a new perspective on the rich and diverse world of American art.

Overall, this collection of essays is a must-read for anyone interested in art history and the works of American artists.
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Damnits
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Frankly, it truly seems rather unfair that Updike has managed to excel in not just one but two distinct literary fields. He is not only a superb novelist, capable of crafting intricate and engaging stories that draw readers in and keep them hooked until the very end, but also a fine essayist, able to pen thought-provoking pieces that offer unique perspectives on a wide range of topics.

I find myself constantly hoping that there is something at which he is incompetent. However, it appears that this something is not the ability to make thoughtful comments about art that are keenly observed. His insights into the world of art, whether it be painting, sculpture, or literature itself, are always astute and incisive, leaving readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

It is almost as if Updike has been blessed with an abundance of literary talent, allowing him to effortlessly switch between different forms of writing and produce work that is of the highest quality. While this may be a source of envy for some, it is also a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural ability as a writer.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
itsyaboi8675309
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Thought-provoking essays on how to "read" and enjoy some of the masterworks of American painting and photography offer a fascinating exploration.

These essays provide valuable insights into the techniques, themes, and historical contexts of these art forms.

My favorite essays were those on Alfred Steiglitz and Edward Hopper.

Steiglitz was a pioneer in photography, and his works captured the essence of modern life.

Hopper, on the other hand, was a master of painting, and his works often depicted the isolation and loneliness of modern existence.

Having recently visited the Hopper exhibit at the National Gallery of Art, I was able to gain a deeper appreciation for his work.

The exhibit showcased some of his most iconic paintings, such as "Nighthawks" and "Office at Night."

Seeing these paintings in person was a truly immersive experience, and it allowed me to see the details and nuances that I might have missed in reproductions.

Overall, these essays and the Hopper exhibit have inspired me to look at American art in a new light and to continue exploring the rich and diverse world of painting and photography.
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TheEdguy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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What's not to love? Updike's writing and art are truly flawless.

Although there are times when I don't agree with his assessment, such as his view on Warhol, at other times he is completely spot on.

I'm glad he included Marsden Hartley in his works. His ideas about Whistler are also quite interesting.

Interestingly, we both share a love for Winslow Homer.

Updike's works offer a unique perspective on art and artists, and his writing style is engaging and thought-provoking.

Whether you agree with his assessments or not, there is no denying the talent and creativity that he brings to the table.

His works are a must-read for anyone interested in art, literature, or simply a good read.

Overall, Updike's contributions to the world of art and literature are significant and will be remembered for years to come.
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