Monet's Garden: Through the Seasons at Giverny (Hardcover)

by Vivian Russell (Author)

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

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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 (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #308,770 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 27 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 (Greenwood, IN USA) - See all my reviews

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.