First Impressions: Claude Monet [Hardcover]

Ann Waldron (Author)

Book Description

Series: First Impressions | Publication Date: September 30, 1991

The first biography of Monet written especially for young readers. This highly readable text traces Monet's life as a young boy in LeHavre, his studies in Paris, and his eventual achievement of international renown in his forties. 53 illustrations, 33 in full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-- In an attractive style that is heavy with anecdote and details of financial problems and family togetherness, Waldron discusses Monet's artistic growth as well as the development of impressionism. A wide range of full-color reproductions helps create an understanding of the manner in which the paints were applied to surfaces. Of course the scale is missing so that the full impact of these paintings is lost, but they serve admirably to illustrate the text's claims and interpretations and to demonstrate Monet's continuing love affair with the infinite ways in which light shapes our perceptions of the world. Despite the huge number of books on impressionism available, this version of one artist's struggle to maintain his integrity and to sharpen his vision is useful, particularly for those seeking a pleasant literary introduction to that bit of art history. --Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, Columbus
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

In the ``First Impressions'' series, an excellent introduction to the best loved and most prolific Impressionist. The journalist author focuses on Monet's development as an artist and the lack of recognition and financial troubles that dogged the first half of his 80 years--when he was 37, his evocative image of a train in La Gare St. Lazare caused a furor: ``A critic said that Monet was trying to make his viewers feel the way travelers did.'' What happened to the man is only outlined--his family's insistence on traditional training in art, Monet's marriages, children, friends, infirmities; and the whys remain a mystery--why did he antagonize his family and lose its support by living unwed with a woman he loved and later married? Why did his good friend Bazille fail to send money he owed Monet when Monet was desperate? There are a few revealing glimpses: e.g., Waldron remarks near the end that Monet had such a terrible temper that he once, in a fit of pique, gave up painting on Saturday, discarded his palette and brushes--then had to beg a supplier to send him new supplies on a Sunday. Still, the art is the important thing, and its genesis is intelligently presented: Monet's evolving concerns with light, color, and subject are discussed in the context of the art world of his time. The many reproductions are well placed and chosen, including informal paintings of Monet by such friends as Renoir and Manet. List of paintings and photos; index. (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 92 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 30, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810936208
• ISBN-13: 978-0810936201
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,283,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Claude Monet, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: First Impressions: Claude Monet (Hardcover)

Very informative and enjoyable. I recommend it if your interrested in an introduction of his life. Its also great for young readers.