When I saw that Max Porter left a review, I knew this book was going to be a work of art on its own. I was absolutely impressed and speechless at the flow and the intertwining narratives of the pandemic and the artists' lives. Knowing nothing about the history of art, I learned so much and was mesmerized by the illustrations Christopher conjured. This was such a unique book, and will suggest this to everyone! x

A book about aging and a book about creating (in the main painting) and the chemistry of the two near to the end of life. It is a fascinating subject and his take on it is perhaps an example in and of itself. The passages on the artists are short, easy and engrossing to read. Written not as art history but with a more narrative feel, based on the author's previous studies into the works and the artists, but taking leave to breathe life into them. It had me running back to the artists and images he talks about to look at them all afresh. He has managed to express in words just what it is that a painter might feel so well that I am impressed. Interspersed with the essays are brief updates on the progression on the plague (covid) that the author was living through, although learning about through news updates as he was isolated in the countryside writing this book. They are shocking and made me realise how quickly I have forgotten how bad things were. There is always a frustration when a book discusses images that are not then given in the book, however this is not too problematic when you have a smartphone beside you as most people do. I read this with a decent knowledge of most of these painters already, I'm not sure how it would read without that; I'm not saying don't do it though, as you would be introduced to some wonderful works from an interesting access point.

Thanks to Hachette for sending me a proof copy in exchange for an honest review, which you can find below. One of the most significant aspects of art is how it reflects the circumstances of its creation and the state of the artist at the time of its birth. This forms the backbone of this poignant and intriguing book. Neve draws enlightening parallels between the late styles of various artists and the experiences of himself and wider society during the COVID pandemic. The artists covered range from established greats such as Rembrandt and Velázquez to less familiar faces worthy of wider attention, including Gwen John and Honoré Daumier, as well as some of my personal favourites like Titian and Frans Hals. Imagined conversations and eloquent descriptions are combined with perceptive analysis of artwork to create vivid and lifelike representations of some of the most interesting artists ever to pick up a paintbrush. These examples are then combined with the author's depictions of the lockdown of 2020 and his own connections with nature and art, as well as the widespread suffering experienced across the globe. The link between the proximity of death and the creation of dazzling works of art, as well as the re-emergence of the natural world in the absence of humanity, lend the book a thoughtful emotional impact. On the whole, this book provides a compelling tribute to the emergence of great beauty and art from challenging times. The fact that these individuals could overcome circumstances ranging from old age and destitution to ill health and of course disease to transcend artistic boundaries and create such monumental and often innovative works is strangely inspiring. While not a positive read by any means, this is a beautifully written book and a fantastic testament to the power of art to shine a light through the darkest of situations.

I read this as someone who is no expert in art or art history. I loved it. You can see how well researched it has been despite the confines of a global pandemic. I also learn a lot in a very engaging way. It's great non-fiction writing which is an art in itself. The fact that Max Porter has a review on the front cover seems to be indicative - as you'll find a similar form of prose poetry and evocative writing used here to provoke a reaction from the reader. The book seems to move between a personal reflection on the pandemic to a narrative history of different artists seamlessly. The contrast between the two different unfolding narratives is fascinating and places both our pandemic, and the artists, in a new and illuminating context. I'd recommend this short book to anyone looking for a mediation on the pandemic and art, or anyone looking for good current art writing. I think it is brilliant.

‘Immortal Thoughts’ transports the reader straight into the final years of renowned artists such as Michelangelo or Constable and explores how the confrontation with their own mortality, be it consciously or unconsciously, impacted their art and practice. Christopher Neve’s writing style is highly evocative and conjures the past effortlessly through beautiful lyrical prose – from seventeenth century Amsterdam to twentieth century Paris, from gentle countryside to bustling city life. Predominantly adopting the point of view of an acquaintance, visitor or even friend of the selected artists, the author offers an intimate insight into their lives full of admiration and awe for their art that is as moving as it is inspiring. Even though the short essays cover big names of the art world, including for example Titian and Goya, they fail to transcend European borders. Similarly, only one chapter is dedicated to a female artist, namely Gwen John. However, the limited scope is understandable given the authors restricted resources while writing during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The chapters are separated by small accounts describing the events of the pandemic: information regarding international developments such as death toll and political measures as well as a private perspective of seasons spent isolated in the countryside. The contrast between the bleak public situation and the timeless beauty of nature highlights the ambiguity of the artists’ final years, where resignation meets the freedom of taking risks and the human mortality is offset by immortal thoughts in/through art. A captivating and personal exploration of the power of art as a refuge, vessel and legacy – a must-read for any art enthusiast!