Monet by Himself Handbook

by Richard Kendall

This volume on the life and work of Claude Monet is quite unlike any other book on this popular artist, as for the first time his letters have been brought together with his paintings, pastels and drawings. There are letters to his fellow artists and youthful friends, long affectionate letters to family and loved ones and begging letters in times of hardship. We read of Monet's persistence in money matters, his frustrations and successes while on painting expeditions to Italy, Brittany and Norway, and his experience of solitude, illness and bereavement in later life. Monet emerges from the correspondence as a more troubled and complex individual than his sun-filled canvases might suggest. Alongside the artist's letters are more than 200 superb colour reproductions. These accompany the text and enable the reader to follow the young artist through his first encounters with the Parisian art scene, his days as a commanding presence in the Impressionist movement and the final chapter of his life when he produced some of his most ambitious and colourful work at Giverny.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, Biography, Classics

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kakali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an intimate portrait of Claude Monet's life and times as well as many other painters of the impressionist age. It is a collection of passionate letters written by Monet to his wife, friends and others with page after page of prints of his paintings.It's divided into the phases of his paintings - Paris, The Sea and The Water Lilies. In all the letters there is a predominant theme of the artist getting frustrated with not being able to capture the light on the sea ("old hag") as weather changes - "it's superb and I rage at my inability to express it better". It is also fascinating to read about his interactions with other impressionist painters like Cezanne, Manet or Degas. On the other hand, There are a lot of references to mundane issues such as constant anxiety about money, worrying about his paintings not getting the right price, or constantly missing his wife Alice Monet as he traveled all over France for painting locations.

[Aaron Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty impressive collection of letters from Monet in this book, and it was entertaining to try and match up dates of specific letters and cross reference them with his catalogue. That being said, I think the idea of this book works better than the actual product, most of his letters aren’t really that interesting, although they do give valuable insight on how emotional the great painters can get about their failures and self worth. I enjoyed the little page synopses of each era in his life and thought those were super valuable

[翰林院编修]

理查德·肯德尔（Richard Kendall）是一位艺术史学家，教师和画家，专门研究十九世纪的法国艺术。他曾在英国，欧洲和美国就该主题进行过广泛的演讲，并出版了许多关于印象派运动艺术家的书籍和文章。

有同类书 。莫奈手稿

[aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

it didn't have my fav painting included 😢 but I love Monét overall so still a 3 star.

[Kurishin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It does what it says on the cover.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent coffee table book. A chronological sweep through the great mans life and artistic output. Page after page of his paintings, accompanied by the reproduced letters written to family and friends and fellow artists. Pick this up, and you have a compulsive page turner on your hands. The 19th century French Impressionist period is certainly one of my favourite artistic styles, and old Claude one of my favourite Impressionist painters.
What a golden age, along with Renoir, Pissarro (another fav), Manet and Cezanne to name just a few of the greats off the top of my head. An era of art similar to the 1960's.

[Christopher Rosche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book to better understand the personality behind the famous Impressionist artist. Reading his letters provides an intimate look at both his flaws and his love for his wives and children. Also lets you see how he struggled financially for so long before he became famous.

[Valerie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course his life story is one of intrigue. His paintings fill the pages and make you feel as If you are in them. Loved this!!

[Monica Daries · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an insight full read on a genius artist!

[Jeff Tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have always loved Monet's work so this was a delight.