Book Description

Claude Monet is commonly considered to be the most consistent and representative of Impressionist artists.His painting, Impression, Sunrise (1874) inspired the official name of this movement.This book portrays Monet's work and vast influence in its historical perspective as it charts his life and career.Over 300 paintings illustrate his artistic experiments as well as his most successful works. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent presentation of Monet's works through his career
This is an excellent book. Sproccati's comments in the beginning are clear and engaging. The best part of the book is the collection of color plates. This is a large book, allowing for large reproductions of many of his paintings. High quality paper, well-focused colorful plates, almost none of which are split over two pages, and well-organized and thought-out order make this an outstanding value. ... Read more

Book Description

Explore Claude Monet's life and art, and the influences that shaped his work.

Discover the genius of Claude Monet through this highly informative guide, which tells the fascinating story of the life and work of one of the most famous figures in the history of art. Superb, specially commissioned photographs show the methods and materials Monet used to create his masterpieces, while art historian Jude Welton offers a unique "eyewitness" view of the painter's distinctive canvases, and the complex personality behind them. See close-ups of Monet's vigorous, textured brushwork, how he captured the ever-changing effects of light on water, the lavish garden he created at Giverny, which inspired over 500 paintings. Learn how the trains at the Gare Saint-Lazare were stopped for Monet to paint them, how he created the celebrated Cathedrals and other "series" paintings, how he was influenced by Japanese art. Discover how the term "Impressionist" was coined, Monet's links with Manet, Renoir, Sisley, how doctors battled to save his failing eyesight, and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Visual Treat!
This Claude Monet art book is a great book, I received it as a gift over 10 years ago and I think it's very well put together and has beautiful images of Monet's best artwork and the book also gives some info as well. I recommend this book which is a good read, a visual treat and makes an excellent coffee table book!

Water Lily Heaven
If you are in love with Claude Monet's Water Lily Pond paintings, this is the best book for an explanation as to their origins and where Monet found his inspiration. There is a photograph from 1926 showing the bridge covered with climbing plants.

The Japanese Bridge at Giverny, 1924 is just one of the outstanding paintings in a series of works devoted to the bridge that preoccupied Monet during his final years.

Monet loved his garden at Giverny with such a passion that one could say it bordered on obsession. Harmony in Green, The White Water Lilies, The Water Lily Pond are all explained in detail. There is even a picture of Monet photographed in his beloved garden in 1917.

In every life there is beauty and sadness. The beauty of the water lilies contrasts with the pain Monet felt when he painted Camille on her death bed.

When Monet's wife died, she not only left him without a companion, he then had small children depending on him. He spent most of his meager earnings on his wife's medical treatments and he was also deeply depressed and alone.

This type of revealing information makes him so very human and the paintings then contain a certain depth when these secrets are revealed.

Comprehensive tour du force
A must-have for any student of Monet. Volumne I contains covers his biography proper, while volumes II-IV provide a COMPLETE record of the artist's body of work.

Wilderstein protrays Monet life for the most part as that of a debtor. However to his credit, he tempers the romantic "suffering artist" idealism with insight into Monet the creditor. By illustrating what a jackass the artist could also be, the author creates a deep and lively narrative.

Most of the personal insight into Monet come to us by way of coorespondance with Alice Hoeschede. Due to 'appearances' however she requested of Monet her letters be destroyed immediately and thus we're sadly left with a one-sided portrait of the man. While his artistic talents we're unparalled, it's his devotation to correspondance that allows Wildenstein to bring him back to life. Without giving away the ending, it's Monet's inability to write rather than paint that signals the end.

Outstanding book!!
I loved this book! The pictures were wonderful and the readings that went with them were as well. Learned many things that I did not know about his artwork. VERY informative...give it a try, it would make a great gift book!

Little substance, fair reproductions
Another book on the overblown impressionists. Little commentary and fair reproductions. A perfect book to put on your coffee table with your Renoir coasters. Souveneir book only. ... Read more

Book Description

Claude Monet, leading Impressionist and one of the world's best-loved painters, has been written about from every angle but this one. Fans of Monet will be delighted by the emphasis on the paintings rather than the usual photographs of the garden at Giverny. The Giverny garden was his private haven, a convergence of domestic pleasure and artistic vision. He cultivated it as a continual source of renewal and inspiration, choosing his plantings as carefully as the colors for his palette-or the artists and gardeners he invited there. Monet's Garden in Art explores the relationship between his garden and some of his most famous paintings, the evolution of the vistas he constructed, and his favorite flowers and flower-inspired techniques. It offers a vital portrait of the artist and his enduring vision of nature's beauty. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After the scores of beautiful Monet books that have been published over the last two decades, it is hard to imagine that a new one could be indispensable.But this volume, the catalog of an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (fall 1998, then travels to the Royal Academy of Arts in London) is more than just lovely. The main essay, by Paul Hayes Tucker, is a spellbinding history that ably places Monet and his late works in the context of the shattering political upheavals of his time. Tucker demonstrates the patriotic ideal of La France, which for Monet and his public was the ur-subject of his entire oeuvre up to the end of the 19th century, from the crashing waves at Étretat to the shimmering facades of Chartres. Then came the Dreyfus affair, with the Catholic Church and French conservatives united in an anti-Semitic attack against the innocent Jewish army captain accused of treason. Monet passionately and actively joined the writer Émile Zola, who was arrested for defending Dreyfus in his famous article, "J'Accuse." Tucker traces the rift in Monet's use of imagery from this time forward, as he turns his back on quintessentially French scenes to focus instead on the closely observed gardens in his own back yard. Tucker also subtly evokes Monet's despair during the long years of World War I, and his often heroic efforts to be of use, despite his age. This sumptuous volume, with its 12 fold-out plates of the Water Lilies, is very, very beautiful, but its story of an aging artist deeply engaged in his art and his times is something even better. --Peggy Moorman ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A wonderfull look at Monet
I found this book not only to be filled with the wonderfull works of Claude Monete but it also has a great insight to his life and the imprssion he left on modern art today. This book also contains full fold-out pictures of some of the artists best works. For anyone who has ever enjoyed any of Monets work you will love this book.

A must, for anyone looking to expand an art library!
This book is a perfect addition to any art library. Having seen "Monet in the 20th Century" in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts, I was well prepared for the exhibit by having read the book first. I found the exhibit to be an extraordinary example of Monet's achievment in his later years. This book focuses on the works of Monet starting at the start of this century right up to his death in 1928. All through this period of Monet's life and including the representation of the body of work produced within those years, this book never skips a beat. Although not an all-encompassing look at his complete works of that period, this book offers the best look out there of his paintings as well as his development throughout the last quarter-century of his life. I found it to be in keeping with what is already known about Monet's later years, but certainly not devoid of interesting insights. The quality of the book, it's contents, including all of the color plates reproduced within is very good. I would not have an art library without Monet representation, and this is the ideal book for an addition or a starter. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

beautiful pop-up for older kids and adults
This lovely object is both a wonderful variation on the pop-up book and a delightful rendition of Monet's inspirational milieu. Arrives as ~10 by 12 inch folder opening to reveal two pockets -- one containing the fold-out and the other a 4 x 8" booklet about Monet and his garden, with twelve wonderful illustrations and photographs. The fold-out is about 8-1/2 x 11" and folds out to nine 8-1/2 x 11" flats, six lying flat and making up the garden and three that stand perpendicular in support of the buildings depicted. You complete the tableau by unfolding a house and two greenhouses, a bridge, trees, shrubs, and a little artist at his easel.

This is a beautiful item which would probably not be properly appreciated or cared for by very young children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

books and art by elizabeth muray
Elizabrth Murrray's books and art work are beautiful and inspiring. I am contributing these volumes to the public school of my grandchildren to accompany thier new school garden. She has a new book of art by children in Equador called Nantu Aujujae but I couldn't find it with your search, I wanted to include it with the other Elizabeth Murray books for the school. I hope you post it soon.

Murray's book is the next best thing to being there.
An easy read and visual feast, Monet's Passion exposes methods behind the color, texture, layout and scents of his magical gardens. It magnifies one's experience visiting the gardens or his works in galleries, and is a valuable companion to the painter's many works.

The book motivated me to visit Giverny, France.
Beautiful photographs of the gardens at all seasons. Plant lists. The author tells about the history of Giverny and her experiences as a gardener there. It would have been helpful to know which US zones the plants would be hardy in. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Without question Claude Monet is best known for his garden-scapes of ponds, lillies, and blankets of radiant flowers. This period of the artist's life reflects the 40 years that he spent at his country home in Giverny, a beautiful retreat nestled on the Seine in northern France. Collected within this edition are 81 paintings from these years, accompanied with a fascinating narrative on Monet's life, loves, and influences. Recounting Monet's development from an Impressionist to an innovative abstractionist, the book is both informative to read, and exquisite to look at. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"Metaphor for a Mood"
Claude Monet lived in rural Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Many of the paintings that we most closely identify with his oeuvre were done on his property or in the neighborhood. Following his death, the property deteriorated until its restoration was completed in the 1970s with the help of Lila Acheson Wallace, of Reader's Digest fame. This book was created to in part to honor that restoration and the show that commemorated it. The show marked the beginning of a resurgence of interest in Monet that continues to grow. My only reservation about recommending this book is that it would have benefited from larger sized pages so that the reproductions could have been larger.

Giverny is located to the north of Paris, and is connected to Paris by the rail line from Gare St. Lazare (which Monet painted several times). The view of nature we get there is a reflection of Monet's very French focus on creating gardens, a lily pond, and walkways that bring natural beauty into our controlled grasp.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Monet's home at Giverny several times since it was restored and highly recommend that you make this journey as well when you are in Paris. Your concept of Monet's work will be changed by seeing his working conditions. The grounds are primarily an extension of his studio, for making observations of nature easier. First time visitors will be shocked to realize that the lily pond was dug and expanded at great effort and expense by Monet. Without his persistence, we would be missing many of our favorite Monet paintings.

Throughout the time that Monet lived in Giverny, his eyesight deteriorated . . . mostly due to cataracts. As an artist friend of mine points out, that eye affliction greatly improved his painting by making it freer and less detailed.

He also pioneered many techniques of al fresco paining, such as creating an artist's studio in a boat for his famous river scenes. This enabled him to capture many unusual perspectives from the water to the river bank. Similarly, one purpose of the Japanese bridge over his lily pond was to give him a similar point of perspective.

The book contains a map of Giverny and Monet's property (purchased in 1890 after he originally rented it), and 81 works that he created in the area.

Missing from these reproductions are the famous water lily paintings that he gave to the French nation which are now housed in the basement of the Orangerie. Be sure you see them when you next visit Paris. Many people go to the Orangerie and never make it to the basement. These are among the greatest jewels of Impressionism.

You will be pleased to see the 25 works from the Musee Marmottan in Paris. These masterworks are also often missed by those who visit Paris because they do not know about this small gem of a museum and its superb Monet collection.

The reproductions are organized around themes: (1) river scenes (from the boat) (2) haystacks [sic] (3) poplars (4) river and fields (5) morning on the Seine (from the boat) (6) the Japanese footbridge (7) the Garden Path (8) early water lilies (9) the late series (my favorites are the rose trellises over the garden path) (10) pond subjects, and (11) late water lilies.

The end of the book also has a chronology of Monet's life and works that will help you integrate this show into his entire work.

You will come away with a new excitement and respect for nature from these images. You will also feel more connected to and with the beauty of nature. Your mood will be lifted, just as Monet intended. What you see will be uniquely yours, also just as intended. Monet pays you the ultimate compliment here of letting you participate in the creative process by arranging the work in your mind to fit your mental needs and perspective.

After you enjoy these images, I suggest that you come away inspired to make what you do more accessible to others. How can you make your life and your work easier for others to participate in?

Live in beauty!

The perfect introduction to Monet--at an affordable price!
Whether you have appreciated Monet's works for years or you are just discovering him for the first time like me, this book is a beautiful, informative collection of his best.

Beyond the absolutely vivid and beautiful quality of the paintings displayed in Monet's Years at Giverny, I greatly appreciate the style of language used throughout the book. Unlike many major art books which often seem to forget about the layman reader, this book reads more like a beautiful story of his life providing great insight into his works.

In college, I was fortunate enough to see a collection of his Water Lilies in Paris. Although at the time I was amazed to see them, through Monet's Years at Giverny I came to fully appreciate them---Not only the paintings, but the man himself.

Excellent addition to any collection!

A stunning achievement in art literature
Unlike most art books, this small volume has been in print continuously since 1978 & when you read it, it isn't hard to see why: superb reproductions and an extremely elegant design (plus its small size - very unusual in art publishing) offer the reader a wonderful experience wandering in Monet's vision of a carefully constructed alternate reality. In Monet's Giverny, natural forms respond instantly to light. The images produce a peculiar sense of floating in the viewer - many of the pictures lack a horizon line or any indication of where the viewer is in relation to the picture. As a result, we seem to hover in flight, poised above a constantly shifting panorama of woods, water, fields, and lilies. Interestingly, no human figures are visible in these works (Monet was never really a figure painter) producing a peculiar sensation of isolation and contemplation in the spectator - we wander through this magical land alone, or with whatever companion we desire. A superlative achievement which has found few imitators in the world of art publishing.

Fabulous!
This book takes an in-deapth look at one of the greatest impressionist artists of all time. Go out and buy it today.

Amazing!
This book is fantastic! It captures the essence of Monet's painting better than any other book I've seen. The color printing is accurate. The plates are large and plentiful. There are complete series like the Japanese Bridge and Lily Pads as well as select paintings that are rarely found in other Monet books. And the inclusion of some unfinished late canvases shows how far Monet went into the future of Western art. You won't find many better than this! ... Read more

Book Description

This lavishly illustrated book presents the first complete overview of the life, art, and times of the quintessential Impressionist.Tucker, one of our foremost authorities on Monet, offers a striking new view of the artist, showing him to be a far more complicated figure than previously acknowledged, fiercely competitive and ambitious, as well as sensitive and inventive. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Monet
i thought that this was a great book. it was wonderfully written, giving you a new understanding of the life of a great artist. not only was the book well writen but it was also full of hundreds of great recreations of monets best work.

Excellent!
This book gives a very good over view of his life and work. What he went through to get to where he became well known. This books is well illustrated with work that is not well known and several of his more well known work. ... Read more

Book Description

Continuously in print for more than 20 years, Abrams' Masters of Art series has always been known for its exceptional quality and value. Now these classic volumes devoted to the lives and works of the world's great painters have been newly redesigned and released in paperback for the first time. The comprehensive texts, written by distinguished art historians, provide incisive and informative portraits of the artists and perceptive commentaries on their works and achievements. Each book features 40 full-page, full-color plates accompanied by commentary on the facing page. Numerous black-and-white illustrations supplement the text. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

You should collect them all.
One of a series from Dover that includes Cassatt, Dali, Degas, Gauguin, Homer, Kahlo...you get the idea. Ridiculously inexpensive, you should collect them all. Once you have them, you'll resist ripping them out of the cute little booklet & mailing them. Maybe, like me, you'll keep them in a drawer by your computer as handy fine art stress relievers.

Bob Rixon ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Very cute stickers
This collection of stickers is a must have if you're a Monet fan. They include all of his most famous paintings, from water lilies to haystacks; and they can be used for most anything. It's a great set to give to a child who is learning about art, or even those who just like the nice scenery. Under each picture it tells you the name of it, and I especially like the fact that for being stickers, they still have so much detail. I'd recommend them to anyone who is a lover of art, or just likes to decorate things up with a little color. ... Read more

Book Description

Beloved images from the artist's body of work is paired with his reflections on art, aesthetics, life and society. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

You Love Monet, You'll Love This Book!
I bought this lovely book from a bookstore in Subic Bay during my vacation. I enjoy it a lot. The reason I love it is because most of the time, you buy something related to an artist, you hear the writer say about the artist. But this one, you hear what the artist thinks. Plus the works from Monet beside every sentence, this book is really a wisdom of a true artist! As a matter of fact, I'm trying to buy the same series, but it seems not so easy to find.

By the way, there are notes for those words which tell you when Monet said or wrote them. It helps. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

As a pioneer in the world of French Impressionist landscape art, Claude Monet was unequalled. This unique work includes a collection of Monet's letters to friends, business associates, dealers and fellow artists combined with over 200 superb color reproductions of his paintings, pastels and drawings. Same-scene paintings are shown together to accentuate Monet's love of light and varying effects. ... Read more