The Life and Works of Monet

by Edmund Swinglehurst

This book gives a quick biography of Monet, explains the elements of his painting style, and includes fifty of his best-known and best-lovedworks.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Historical

79 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Edmund Swinglehurst (1917-2005) was a painter and writer. He was born in Chile and educated in England, returning to Chile to teach European history and culture at a private English school. On returning to Europe, he travelled to most of the major cities of Europe to visit their art museums, with special reference to art from the early 19th century onwards. He also studied art in Paris with Fernand Léger at the École des Beaux Arts

Swinglehurst wrote many books on art and travel. He exhibited his artwork in both England and Chile.

Reviews

[preru ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆ / ☆☆☆☆☆

"When you go out to paint, try to forget what objects you have before you, a tree, a house, a field, or whatever. Merely think, here is a little square of blue, here an oblong of pink, here a streak of yellow."

"The Life and Works of Monet" by Edmund Swinglehurst presents an enchanting odyssey into the captivating world of one of history's most revered painters, Claude Monet. With eloquent prose and meticulous attention to detail, Swinglehurst weaves together a concise biography of Monet's life and a profound analysis of his revolutionary painting style. This exquisite tome transcends its role as a mere book and emerges as a treasured companion for both seasoned art aficionados and those embarking on a voyage of discovery.
Swinglehurst's narrative dances effortlessly between the pages, gracefully revealing the genesis of Monet's artistic genius. Imbued with empathy and insight, he unravels the intricacies of Monet's formative years, unveiling the triumphs, tribulations, and triumphs once more that shaped this visionary artist. Through Swinglehurst's vivid prose, readers are transported to the streets of Paris, the idyllic landscapes of Giverny, and the sun-drenched banks of the Seine, intimately acquainted with the very essence of Monet's existence.

At the heart of this enchanting volume lies a captivating gallery of fifty of Monet's most celebrated and cherished works. Each brushstroke, every interplay of light and color, is thoughtfully dissected and contextualized, allowing readers to unravel the artist's ingenious techniques. The accompanying descriptions are an ode to Monet's craftsmanship, evoking a profound appreciation for his ability to immortalize the ephemeral beauty of nature and the nuances of human emotion. The meticulously reproduced paintings, rendered in exquisite detail, beckon readers to immerse themselves in Monet's masterpieces, forging an unbreakable connection between the observer and the observed.
While it elegantly captures the essence of its subject, an insatiable hunger for greater depth and exploration lingers. In the vast ocean of Monet's life and oeuvre, some facets remain only fleetingly touched upon, leaving the reader yearning for more profound revelations. Nonetheless, this volume serves as an enchanting prelude, igniting a flame of curiosity and inviting further forays into Monet's magnificent world.

"The Life and Works of Monet" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of art and the indelible legacy of Claude Monet. A veritable masterpiece in its own right, this literary treasure captivates the senses, imbuing the reader with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for Monet's unparalleled talent. Whether adorning a coffee table or nestled in the embrace of one's bookshelf, this profound exploration of artistry and beauty is destined to become a cherished heirloom, a gateway to a realm where brushstrokes breathe, colors sing, and the spirit of Monet forever dances upon the canvas.

[zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

almost shed a tear why all them paintings so beautiful

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good place to start, a soothing read of Monet's incredible work.

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know absolutely nothing about Claude Monet but this was another freebie book from my local art organization and I figured I could acquaint myself with Monet's life and works a little bit. There is the most pathetic of biographies at the beginning, and then some more personal details of his life are spread out in the commentary for each of the paintings included in the book. I enjoyed looking at the different landscapes and styles that Monet seemed to prefer, even if I don't have a sophisticated "painter's eye" to look at them myself. But they were quite pleasant, most of them. I think I liked "Camille, or The Green Dress," the most. I almost wish I could see more portraits like that in his personal style; I bet they would have turned out magnificent.

[Michael Arnold · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book, a fine short introduction to Monet. I got this for the paintings and was not disappointed. Good, not bad.

[Eugenia Andreev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy book to be read. It contains some of Claude Monet's paintings and events behind each of them.

[Beth Koffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick history and highlights of Monet’s life and works.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reproductions aren't very detailed. I can barely see the brushwork.

[Avi Bendahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant overview of some of the artist's work. While the explanations can be short and dry (and at times repetitive), the strength of this book comes from the curating of images, and in certain cases especially the choice of which ones to juxtapose.
A cursory glance of this painter certainly, but a nice book to have on hand to observe some of his works, with the definitive advantage of giving the illustrations preponderance throughout.

[Jeff Tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's about the incredibly talented French impressionist painter Monet. What's not to like.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd mix of paintings, but the brief analyses of each were interesting and thoughtful.