Claude Monet: The Color of Time [Paperback]

Virginia Spate (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2001 | Series: Classic Paperback

Based on a complete study of Monet's work, his surviving letters (nearly 3,000 in all) and contemporary documentary material, Virginia Spate's classic volume is the fullest account available of a complex and influential man whose style changed and evolved considerably during his long career. Monet is considered as an intelligent and cultured being, a friend to writers such as Zola, Mallarme and Octave Mirbeau, fully informed as to the cultural and intellectual tendencies of his time. His often neglected figure paintings, always of family and friends, are analysed alongside his landscapes, which ranged from series of river scenes to steam-filled railway stations. Changes in his output in response to shifts in demand are linked to the new system of art dealers and to his financial situation. The France of Monet's youth and maturity is covered in depth, especially the traumatic legacy of the Franco-Prussian war and the Prussian Commune; and his famous garden at Giverny is shown to be both a personal Utopia and a vital part of his creative processes. The dialectric of the real world and its representation in art is explored in detail as manifested in his splendid canvases - faithfully represented in over 130 colour plates. This definitive treatment of a hugely important artist makes an indispensable contribution to the art history of Impressionism and the roots of modernism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A major contribution to cultural history, as well as art history ....it will replace all previous studies. -- Linda Nochlin

Art book of the year. -- The Independent

Astonishes the reader with the extent of its probing inquiry into the work of Monet. -- Evening Standard

Dazzling ....I cannot imagine how we have done without it. -- Marina Vaizey, Financial Times

Spate scores on energy, inclusiveness, and her use of illustration... -- Observer

The fullest account possible of a complex and influential man. -- Artworld

About the Author

Virginia Spate holds the Chair in the Department of Fine Art at the Power Institute, University of Sydney.

Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500282730
• ISBN-13: 978-0500282731
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Post-Impressionism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Extensive, January 18, 2011

By 

Benjamin (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Claude Monet: The Color of Time (Paperback)

Following the introduction the book is divided into three sections by date: 1840-1878, 1878-1904, 1903-1926. The book includes in addition to notes to the text a bibliography and index.

The flyleaf of the dust jacket claims the "based on a complete survey of the artist's entire work . . . this is the fullest account available of (Monet)". Running to 348 densely packed pages this is certainly an extensive survey.

It is illustrated throughout with over 300 pictures including 135 full-colour plates, some of them full-page in size (however by comparison a simple sum tells that this means over 160 images are in black and white, they fair badly in comparison to the full-colour reproductions). The monochromes include a few period photographs.

The text is accessible, and this study has the big advantage that illustrations run with the text. This is clearly an extensive study, although it is a pity that all the images are not in full colour.