Monet

Art & Ideas (Phaidon)

by Carla Rachman

Carla Rachman's clear and engaging account offers an accessible introduction to Claude Monet's life and art, analysing the works themselves and also the social basis for the shifts in taste and the changing political and economic forces within Monet's lifetime. The artist's personal life and his relations with dealers, patrons, critics and institutions are seen as formative influences on his work. The book traces critical reaction to Monet's work from the early years, which were marked by clashes with conventional artistic values, to the present, in which Monet's vision of the world has gained popularity with the public at large.

Genres: Art, Art History

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 1997

Reviews

[Edie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I studied some 19th century art in Grad School. It was a an incredible and diverse period filled with lots of interesting movements. Among them all, I never thought much about Monet or any of the other impressionists, In fact, disliking them was fashionable for anyone interested in “real art”. This book totally turned me around. I learned so much about Monet it was as if I’d a seminar on him!

Although there is some discussion of the pictures themselves, the story centers on their context. What was going on in France at the time? Where did Monet fit in with the art scene? Why did he become so popular at first and yet later considered a pariah? How did he then turn back into a well respected painter who produced significant and highly sought after paintings?

Fortunately I live a city blessed with many Monets. In the past I would just pass them by on the lookout for what I thought were more interesting pictures. But now I’m planning a trek to the museum to reevaluate works that I never valued before.

[Ferin Pitchayatida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claude Monet has been one of my favorite artists since I was in middle school. If you want to know more about the background story behind his brush, I’d recommend this book.

[Simeng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proud to be the translator of the first Chinese version of this book, I found it concise and beautiful. As the author told, it is intended for readers who are not that familiar with Monet, so an introductory book for Monet and his time including the social backgrounds as well as many details from letters and interviews. It shows you a complete Monet, without the widespread sentimental Bohemian tone—this is the particular part of the reason that why I like it. Though the style is rather rational and even cool to some level, it still presents a sense of passion for Monet——which is, however, quite imperceptible but touching. In summary, I really enjoy reading and translating it into another language, and I hope to read more from the author as Monet is one of my favorite artists and Dr Carla Rachman's study area, 19th century is my favorite period of art history.

[Inknscroll]

Monet is one of my favorite artists. I, also, love the thorough work Phaidon puts into their beautiful, "coffee-table" size books. I would love to purchase & read this volume some day.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the books in the A&I series; they're wonderfully written and not boring like a typical art history book. I had to get the Impressionism A&I book as a textbook for my art history class and purchased this book to use as a reference for my research paper. I finally got around to reading it in its entirety, and it's a great resource looking at Monet's life and work.