The book, resulting from research by Adrian Clark and Richard Calvocoressi, delves into the life of Douglas Cooper, a prominent collector of Cubism. It illustrates how Cooper's family wealth and education shaped his career in Modern art, while also exploring the darker aspects of his character. Though capable of scholarly precision and admired for his contributions to art history, Cooper's demand for control and numerous personal vendettas paint a troubling picture. Clark's approach invites readers to judge Cooper's legacy amidst the complexities of his personality, revealing a man both influential and deeply flawed.
Cooper's charm, wit, and eccentricity have evaporated and left the deposit of his reputation as a sociopath, even a psychopath in Clark's assessment.
Cooper's self-importance verged on monomania, demanding total control over exhibitions and displaying alarming qualities of fearlessness and self-confidence.
The adjectives used to describe him include abrasive, acerbic, callous, confrontational, deceitful, vindictive, and manipulative, creating an image of breathtaking unattractiveness.
Clark suggests that the text is a life displayed for the reader to judge, reinforcing a picture of Cooper's malignity.
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