Monet's Garden: Through the Seasons at Giverny [Hardcover]

Vivian Russell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1996

Season by season, this unique and visionary portrait of Monet's glorious garden details the history of Giverny and traces the development of Monet as an artist and gardener. Practical information about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into Giverny's maintenance and easy-to-copy planting techniques are provided. 200 color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Being the first American museum to acquire a Monet and now possessing a significant Monet collection, the Art Institute of Chicago is, not surprisingly, currently presenting the largest, most comprehensive retrospective of the artist's works ever staged. Distinguished art scholar and curator Stuckey has brought together from public and private collections worldwide works that represent every facet of the Impressionist painter's long career. In his introductory essay for this exhibition catalog, Stuckey points out gaps that exist in Monet scholarship, especially from the mid-1880s to the artist's death in 1926. A detailed, 71-page chronology including images of works by Monet's contemporaries, key Monet works not in the exhibition, and historical photographs underscores Monet's profound influence on modern art as well as art of the previous century. Above all, readers will luxuriate in the 161 magnificent full-color plates. Popular garden author Russell (Gardens of the Riviera, Rizzoli, 1994) highlights Monet's year-round horticultural talents and provides an ideal companion volume to the exhibition catalog. She traces Monet's purchase of the now-famous apple orchard site, his meticulous plans to convert Giverny to a natural, informal garden, and the recent, spectacular restoration. The nurseries from which Monet ordered water lilies and peonies, his "paintbox beds" for experimenting with colors, friendships with fellow gardeners Caillebotte and Clemenceau, and lively details of the day-to-day monumental maintenance chores combine with sumptuous color photographs of the restored garden, reproductions of paintings, and historical photographs to create a delightful publication. Monet's genius for using the garden as his canvas and immortalizing Giverny in impressionistic masterpieces is richly conveyed. Both volumes are highly recommended.?Joan Levin, MLS, Chicago
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

A great-aunt who lived in Normandy first introduced Russell to French village life and the joys of gardening. That deeply personal bond continues to this day, with Russell's own residence in the country's southernmost region serving to connect her with the world of French horticulture. Although her previous book, Gardens of the Riviera, was a survey of that region's notable landscapes, here Russell effectively describes the development of one exceptional garden and the passionate urges behind its creation. Beautifully told and illustrated, this homage to Claude Monet's magical Giverny captures the extravagant sensuality and seamless aesthetic principles that governed all aspects of the impressionist artist's life and work. As befits one of the world's renowned gardens, a wealth of colorplates documents the garden in its present, restored glory, and also depicts Monet's later work--canvases inspired by Giverny's now famous water garden and flower beds and borders. Alice Joyce

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; 1st edition (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556704151
• ISBN-13: 978-1556704154
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #742,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Monet's Garden: Through the Season at Giverny, April 25, 2000

By 

Kathy C. Fox - See all my reviews

This review is from: Monet's Garden: Through the Seasons at Giverny (Hardcover)

As a long time fan of impressionist art, Claude Monet and gardening, I found this book very informative. The setting is Monet's former home just outside Paris, France. The book details how the grounds were renovated under Monet's direction and how upkeep continues on the grounds today. Many of the settings such as the Lilly Pond are pictured and described in detail. This book is well worth the purchase price for Monet fans.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, July 18, 2011

By 

Lorraine P. Zigman (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Monet's Garden: Through the Seasons at Giverny (Hardcover)

Although I bought this for a niece, I broused through it when it arrived. So many beautiful paintings - it is a must for those who enjoy the impressionist painters.