Monet: Nature into Art - Hardcover

House, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300037856 ISBN 13: 9780300037852

Publisher: Yale University Press, 1986

Synopsis

Analyzes the career of the artist responsible for the public image of Impressionism, focusing on the evolution in Monet's painting technique and execution and relating it to his ideas, experiences, and the contexts in which he worked

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Reviews

House's thorough study of Monet's working methods reveals that the impressionist nature-poet searched in a calculating way for suitable subjects to paint, even relying on travel guides for leads. Though Monet liked to present himself as a solitary hermit, he dominated the Paris art world and kept in touch with writers and artists. For patrons and buyers he would turn out an occasional still life to make a quick sale, and some of these, like Chrysanthemums (1897), were masterpieces. This handsomely illustrated monograph argues that Monet's preoccupation was capturing a scene's essential unifying atmosphere. In quest of this elusive goal, the artist would rework a canvas for months, whether outdoors or in his studio. House demonstrates that impressionism's apparent spontaneity belies its studious craftsmanship.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Monet expert House's fine account of the artist's career not only enchances our knowledge of Monet but furthers our understanding of Impressionist painting as well. In focusing on the evolution of Monet's technique, work methods, and marketing strategy, he demonstrates how the resulting art was based on continual experimentation and careful planning. This well-illustrated study examines Monet's concern with effects of light and atmospheric harmonies and his changing approach to contemporary problems. Other topics discussed include choice of subjects and development of series, pictorial composition, surface, color brush work, open air versus studio painting, and attitudes to and practice in finish and exhibition. The color plates are excellent, the black-and-white vary. Recommended. Robin Kaplan, M.L.S., The Information Group, Los Angeles
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300037856
• ISBN 13: 9780300037852
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256