I liked the idea behind this book, to look in more detail at the lives and the work of several different artists who, were not the best of characters. I wish there were more art history books that gave laypeople this background and good insight into their work. The choice of artists has me baffled in about a third of the choices. I'm not sure that using present-day opinions about racial slurs and exploitation should be used to justify consideration as scoundrels or cads.

While the author works hard to justify these inclusions in his final chapter, I think hew's skating on thin ice here. The book would be better if Smith had either included different artists who were more qualified for this label or had not made present-day issues the reason for classification.

What’s more important, talent or morals? When a person is a great artist, can we forgive adultery, bigotry or even murder? I knew that Caravaggio had killed a man, but confronted by the inimitable beauty of his paintings, his failings as a person are the last thing on my mind. Am I better than him because I’ve never committed murder, even if all I can paint is stick figures? This the fascinating question at the heart of this book. Devoting a chapter each to some of the biggest artists - and the worst jerks, in history. Plus, Artemisia Gentileschi, the one good person in the bunch. Jeffrey K. Smith is a psychologist, not an art historian, so the book offers a different perspective than most other volumes. He includes a brief introduction to the period, the artists’ lives and their oeuvre. It’s almost a pity to read it in electronic format, as it includes gorgeous illustrations that the author analyzes. I learned many new things but mostly I enjoyed thinking about art.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Rowman & Littlefield!

A very clear and readable history of artists that veered away from the societally acceptable. Great for anyone looking to learn a bit more about art history and also to read something enjoyable!