The book is laconically titled “Michael Krüger on paintings by Giovanni Segantini”, so that the two protagonists meet at eye level, both textually and typographically. The numerous and varied illustrations in the book invite, even urge, contemplative viewing. They and the text, which is written on different levels – sometimes almost like a novel – tell of the beauty of the high alpine mountains, of the preciousness of pure light, of the authenticity of the life full of deprivation in the Engadin Alps 120 to 140 years ago, of Krüger’s personal encounters with the pictures of the painter Segantini, who died at the age of 40 in 1899, and the life experiences of the author, who is one of the most renowned publishers of the past century as well as one of the most important poets. The wealth of facets is just as fascinating as the differentiated and sometimes humorous language.
Bernhard Maaz on Michael Krüger’s new book on Segantini – Kultur
